Residents started their protest at 3am and are blocking roads. A resident who identified himself only as Thabo said they were tired of not having adequate electricity at the informal settlements in Kanana Ext 4. “We are people too, we need to be taken seriously and have basic needs met, ” said Thabo. “Who can live without electricity? How are our children expected to survive?”
Ward 80 Councillor Queen Sikweqa said she was shocked by the residents’ behaviour. “They burnt my office and broke windows,” she said. “I am driving around to see this group of people and talk to them about their concerns. There is no reason to destroy property.”
Sikweqa added that she will notify police of the matter.
Rabie Ridge police spokesperson Constable Jacob Nhlongo said police have been monitoring the protest since 3am. “We are cleaning up tyres left behind by strikers and opening roads.”
