The SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) has called for calm in Tshwane, while the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) has strongly condemned the burning, destruction and vandalism that has taken place in the city this week.
Protests broke out in sections of Tshwane in response to the ANC's announcement that Durban-born Thoko Didiza would be the party’s preferred candidate for mayor. Samwu’s Mpho Tladinyane said: ''We want to appeal to all the comrades and community members in Tshwane, if there are those who have a displeasure of some sort, please let them engage the ANC and let this matter be resolved.'' In a statement, Imatu’s general secretary Johan Koen said: ““While it is evident that a number of factors are contributing to growing frustration, all parties involved have a role to play in resolving this very serious situation. Affected communities must desist from destruction to state property and our Government has a responsibility to engage with disgruntled members of the public and prevent further damage.”
- Based on a report at East Coast Radio and a statement at Imatu online
- Read too, Unions condemn violent Tshwane protests, at IOL News
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