Tshwane on fire as ANC election protests spread
Community protests in Pretoria are spreading through the capital city following the announcement of Thoko Didiza as the ruling African National Congress' mayoral candidate for Tshwane.It is understood that there is unhappiness among ANC members in the region‚ as Didiza was not the candidate nominated by branches. Didiza was the compromise candidate after contention over who should lead the metro for the ANC. Protests erupted in Hatfield on Monday afternoon‚ and spread to Mamelodi. The latest area to follow suit is Atteridgeville where protesters have blocked off the main entrance into the area with rocks and burning tyres on Monday night. There were also unconfirmed reports of 10 city buses on fire at the Mamelodi East depot on Monday night.Earlier‚ a Tshwane Metro Police department marked vehicle was overturned and metro officials injured‚ allegedly by angry ANC members in Hatfield. A few hours later‚ a City of Tshwane car was smashed with stones and set alight by residents in Mamelodi. Residents of Atteridgeville have set the area alight‚ blocking motorists' entry into the area.Social media was abuzz following news of the latest protests in Atteridgeville.Nurswan @NurSwan said: "Eish! #Tshwane is on fire. All because of a mayor nomination. #ThokoDidiza #TshwaneUnrest #Mamelodi #Atteridgeville #Soshanguve."Mpho Mathoho @Maxmpho wrote: "Things are getting worse in Pretoria after Thoko Didiza was named as incoming Mayor. Now Atteridgeville is on fire... Politics in SA."Another user Thug Poet @keith_sweatin said: "Its wild wild west in Atteridgeville‚ ANC supporters running amok kubi!."Koketso @The_KK said: "My hood is in flames.. No mayor shall be imposed on the people!"The Democratic Alliance's mayoral candidate Solly Msimanga tweeted: "Now Atteridgeville is also on fire. Why wouldn’t these people take their fights to Luthuli House & leave the residents in peace?"Msimanga is scheduled to return to his childhood home in Atteridgeville for a news briefing on Tuesday‚ to share his personal vision for a renewed City of Tshwane...
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.