Note to Broadcasters: Please find linked soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Cllr Piet Swart.
The DA in the City of Matlosana demands that the municipality takes immediate action against the illegal closure of the R503 road to Hartbeesfontein by protesting Jacaranda residents in Extension 10.
The DA will write to the Executive Mayor, Cllr James Tsolela, requesting him to immediately engage with the SAPS to maintain law and order in the area, and ensure that the road remains open and safe for motorists.
The R503 road has been closed twice a day for the last few days by disgruntled residents in Jacaranda Extension 10 who want to be included in the allocation of the stands. Residents have raised concerns over the allocation of stands claiming that there are irregularities and queue-jumping by people who may not be from Jacaranda.
The stand process concluded almost a month ago, and regular feedback and public meetings were held by the municipality’s Department of Housing and the Allocation Committee with the community, which the DA attended.
The Allocation Committee has announced that it will verify the allocation stands to the protesting individuals against a list of 3,620 beneficiaries approved by the committee, with the physical commencement of allocations starting on Monday, 26 June 2023.
This illegal protest is causing heavy traffic disturbances and can lead to serious accidents.
With the current loadshedding and water shedding crisis, people and business are struggling to make ends meet, let alone the unnecessary delays caused by some community members of the Jacaranda informal settlement.
The R503 is a major transport road connecting Mahikeng and Lichtenburg with Klerksdorp. The illegal closure of this road prevents the free movement of goods and services. We call on the community to refrain from taking matters into their own hands and follow the proper channels of engagement.
Motorists should be able to use roads free from fear or intimidation.
The DA cautions motorists to remain vigilant and to report any interference of the road to the authorities.