Will the protesters continue their destructive action across Pretoria today, after two days of rioting? The situation is tense; roads remain blocked. Businesses are closed for the day, for the fear of another day of violent action, burning and looting. Police are going undercover today, wearing plain clothes in an attempt to curb the riots should the violence flare up again.
The people are not happy with the African National Congress (ANC) choice of Mayor Thoko Didiza; they do not want to be ruled by a Zulu.
The top ANC leaders, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Gwede Mantashe are seen all over the media, seated in their air-conditioned offices claiming to be concerned over the riots in Pretoria. Why do they not go to Pretoria and address the crowd of frustrated ANC members who are not happy with their choice of the mayor? If the ANC cared about the Pretoria members, they would be there to address the concerns and curb the violence. It is all too easy to speak to the masses from behind the wall. Where is Zuma, why is he so quiet?
The ANC believe that there is not enough evidence that its members are behind the violent protests. The ANC blames an imaginary third force who are behind the unfortunate incident coupled with criminals in the community. The ANC will deny responsibility and worm its way around the truth. When will the ANC take responsibility for the unrest?
The people should not destroy the infrastructure to voice their concerns; the people should use the power of their vote for change. However, the rioters do not consider the replacement cost of infrastructure, they don’t care, they want the Zulu mayor candidate removed and replaced with a Tshwane person.
Yes, the looting is wrong and condemned, but it also paints the picture of the desperate, unemployed, hungry individuals who are taking action to get food on the table. Another issue the ANC are not addressing, and a serious problem that will escalate the violence. The ANC can call them criminals and they are; yet the governing parties needs to address the unemployment situation and curb the illegal activities.
With the unrest taking place in and around Pretoria due to the appointment of the Tshwane mayoral candidates streets have been closed by protesters. Motorists are advised to be careful on the roads as the situation could intensify into another day of violence.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
