DA demands that Premier Makhura investigates Tembisa violence instigators

2 August 2022

The DA in Gauteng is shocked at the violence that broke out yesterday during the Tembisa service delivery strikes. The loss of life and social infrastructure is unacceptable in a democratic society. 

We stand with communities who have legitimate service delivery concerns and support their Constitutional right to express their dismay peacefully. 

The Tembisa Community Forum raised legitimate service delivery concerns with the political leadership of the Ekurhuleni Metro. They planned a peaceful protest to highlight these concerns.

 Unfortunately, this peaceful protest was hijacked by well-organised elements who stoked violence that led to the loss of precious lives and public property. Property can be rebuilt but the lost lives cannot be recovered. 

We, therefore, demand that Premier Makhura must initiate an investigation into the well-organised rogue elements that stoked the fires of violence in Ekurhuleni without delay. These thugs need to be brought to book. 

The DA applauds the peaceful and rational way the Tembisa Community Forum engaged Mayor Tania Campbell last night. This approach is conducive to constructive discussions and the real possibility of finding each other and improving service delivery. 

The DA will continue to put pressure on Premier Makhura to bring those who stoked the violence to book while supporting peace-loving civil organisations that want to partner with us in resolving service delivery problems.

Issued by Fred Nel, DA Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, 2 August 2022