Residents clean up what’s left of Kwa-Thema Square

Kwatsaduza – Residents in different parts of Kwatsaduza showed up in numbers to clean up areas affected by riots and looting.
These include Tsakani Square, Food World, Kwa-Thema Usave and Tsakani Usave.
Forty-seven tuck shops, butcheries and pharmacies in Kwatsaduza were looted and vandalised.
On July 15, community activist Mandla Mabena, in collaboration with the Kwatsaduza Geluksdal Forum, mobilised residents to clean up the Kwa-Thema Square Shopping Complex.
Some of the cleaning equipment was provided for by the organisers, although most residents came with their own equipment.
Mabena said it is imperative for the community to protect the little it has.
“As community members, we should be seen working together to uplift and protect our community, not destroy it.
“However, I am jubilant to see the turnout.
“We all have a part to play in rebuilding our communities, which means being proactive as citizens,” he stated.

Two shot during attempted shop looting in KwaThema

The clean-up campaign was attended by Ward 74 councillor Thulani Simelane, who urged residents to refrain from ransacking shops and causing damage to property.
He added that these actions will lead to higher unemployment rates and that the price of basic goods will be at an all-time high.
Chairperson of the Kwatsaduza Geluksdal Forum Mncedisi Simelane expressed his disappointment with the acts of the public.
“As a movement championing for youth employment, we are displeased with the recent events.
“Seeing the same people whom we are fighting for being the ones to participate in such acts was disappointing.
“In addition, we were also disappointed by how our law enforcements responded to the riots and looting.
“We believe they failed to plan ahead,” he said.
He also called for small businesses to be supported and for the general public to be educated on economic development.
Meanwhile, affected businesses within Kwatsaduza are slowly re-opening.

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