‘ANC fanning violent protest’

MIDVAAL municipality mayor Bongani Baloyi has accused the ANC of instigating violent protests that rocked the community of Scelo informal settlement for four days.

Residents blockaded the R59 freeway, forcing the police to close the road between the Meyer Road and Johan le Roux Road offramps.

The protest, which started on Monday saw residents burning rubble, bucket toilets and pelting cars and police with stones.

Residents are demanding houses, water and electricity.

“Though some of the issues that the community is raising are legitimate, the protest is there on the basis of driving a political agenda by the ANC,” Baloyi said.

Community leader Thabo Beleng said Baloyi was giving preferential treatment to white people in the area. He did not elaborate but said housing and basic services were their most important issues.

Baloyi conceded there was a shortage of housing but blamed the provincial government for dragging its feet over the matter, despite Midvaal’s efforts to make land available.

ANC mayoral candidate Tefo Molakeng said they had nothing to do with the protest. He said Baloyi was trying shift blame.

“People are demanding answers from the mayor and he is avoiding the community. We are surprised he blames us,” he said.