POLOKWANE – Early on Wednesday morning, chants of “Tebogo must fall” reverberated throughout Disteneng and Extension 44 as residents voiced their dissatisfaction after Tebogo Mojapelo was nominated as Ward 8 councillor for the local government election.
Residents Review spoke to expressed their anger saying the nominated councillor had done little to better their lives.
The police were called in to restore calm after residents blocked roads leading to the area with rocks, burning tyres and rubbish.
Some threatened to damage public institutions should the ANC fail to convince Mojapelo to withdraw her nomination.
Residents moved through the area chanting and continued the protest on the Matlala Road in Extention 44.
The situation got tense when a traffic officer who was trying to douse a fire, opened the hose on protestors.
Westenburg Police Spokesperson Capt Mohlaka Mashiane, who was on the scene said no damage was reported.
The unrest was the result of a spill-over of a situation at the ANC’s headquarters in Polokwane, Frans Mahlala House on Monday in which residents of Ward 8, various extensions in the same area as well as phase one and two of Greenside, handed over a memorandum to the party stating they propose four candidates for the position of councillor, of whom Mojapelo isn’t one.
Johannes Kobolo told Review they informed the ANC of their decision of not wanting Mojapelo.
“Ward 8 has chosen Thomas Malobela, Mathabatha Choshi, Mary Mary Mothabeng and Connie Mabasa. They were taken into the community to answer questions from residents regarding what they were to do if nominated. We want them, not her,” he said.
Kobola said it came as no surprise that the ANC proposed a councillor “who had failed them”.
Mojapelo told Review she was not easily intimidated.
“I have been serving my ward well. I have been a Ward 8 councillor for five years now and I won’t get intimidated by jealous people.
“These are the people who got me arrested in 2011 and I am sure they were angry when the judge announced that I was innocent,” said Mojapelo.
She added the ANC gave her the position and that she would continue to bring services to the people.
“Residents should attend community meetings where they will get a chance to raise their concerns,” she said.
Limpopo ANC Spokesperson Aluwani Netsianda was not immediately available for comment at the time of going to press.
