Saturday's inaugural presidential imbizo almost descended into chaos as scores of North West community members demanded to speak to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Obed Bapela, the deputy co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) minister, told the crowd in Mahikeng: “We cannot allow disorder. You are screaming, you are pushing and you are making a noise. Please be orderly.”
Watch: #PresidentialImbizo: Police have moved in to restore order after the session almost descended into chaos. Cogta DP Obed Bapela told the crowd that: "We cannot allow disorder. You are screaming, you are pushing one another and you are making a noice." @TimesLIVE pic.twitter.com/d5YZnuNimI
— Amanda Khoza - The Journalist (@MandaKhoza) March 12, 2022
Police with riot shields eventually moved in to move the crowd away from Ramaphosa, and order was restored.
#PresidentialImbizo: Frustrated communities want a chance to tell President Cyril Ramaphosa their grievances. An announcements has been made for residents to give one another a chance to speak. @TimesLIVE pic.twitter.com/EBU84W3a6L
— Amanda Khoza - The Journalist (@MandaKhoza) March 12, 2022
Scores of people gathered at the Mmabatho stadium, hoping to share their grievances with Ramaphosa and cabinet ministers.
#PresidentialImbizo: President Cyril Ramaphosa has whispered something to Cogta minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. From where I am standing it looks like he is appealing for calm. @TimesLIVE pic.twitter.com/1LX9VIRRdP
— Amanda Khoza - The Journalist (@MandaKhoza) March 12, 2022
They were given a roving microphone and initial exchanges were orderly. But pushing and shoving quickly escalated as the crowd moved to the front of a packed marquee.
Eventually, Ramaphosa called Cogta minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and signalled what looked like a call for calm.
TimesLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.