Numerous streets in Pretoria were still littered with dirt, tree branches and rubble on Wednesday, forcing motorists to drive on sidewalks.
In Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, disgruntled African National Congress members were no longer protesting on the streets but the roads were littered with loads of dirt.
Scrap metal dealers had stripped parts from a heavy delivery truck which was torched on Tuesday along WF Nkomo Street, leading into Atteridgeville.
In Soshanguve and Mabopane, north of Pretoria, calm prevailed on Wednesday morning despite reports of shops being looted overnight.
The streets were however strewn with debris. Motorists were also negotiating their way through the piles of dirt and bricks on the roads. Taxis were moving freely on the streets.
Violence was unleashed in Pretoria since Sunday as news filtered in indicating that former cabinet minister Thoko Didiza would be named as the city’s mayoral candidate for the ANC, ahead of incumbent Tshwane Mayor and ANC regional chairman Kgosientso Ramokgopa.
Residents said they were not happy with Didiza and wanted Ramokgopa to remain in his position.
Ramokgopa and his regional ANC deputy chairman Mapiti Matsena distanced themselves from the protests this week and condemned the violence. They called on residents to accept the mayoral candidacy and rally behind Didiza.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
