Protesters in Alexandra township in Johannesburg shut down the township over lack of service delivery, 3 April 2019. Roads were barricaded and blocked with burning tyres, as hundreds marched demanding better basic services. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark
The MMC for health and social development Dr Mpho Phalatse has called on protesters in Alexandra to allow clinics in the area to operate uninterrupted, reports Alex News.
The appeal from the MMC comes after the protesters brought Alexandra to a standstill demanding service delivery. Alexandra residents are protesting about poor service delivery, empty promises from the new administration, and the high levels of crime among other things.
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“I need to remind everyone behind this shutdown that health is an essential service and should be insulated from these kinds of activities. Residents of Alex have every right to access uninterrupted healthcare. It’s enshrined in our constitution, and no one should take that right away from residents,” said Phalatse.
City of Joburg clinics affected by the protest include Riverpark, Thoko Mngoma, Eastbank, and 8th Avenue. The city committed to offering full healthcare services as soon as the situation had normalised in the area.
The MMC for public safety, Michael Sun, was turned away by residents when he wanted to listen to their concerns and address them. Sun was sent by Joburg mayor Herman Mashaba, who was unavailable to meet with the protesters.
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