Government condemns Tshwane violence

21 June 2016

Pretoria – Government has condemned the outbreak of violence in certain areas in the City of Tshwane.

Residents took to the streets on Monday and Tuesday after the African National Congress named former minister Thoko Didiza as the mayoral candidate for Tshwane.

The protesters are demanding that current mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa be the mayoral candidate for the city.

On Tuesday morning, Maunde Street in Attridgeville was closed with burning tyres and debris.

Government on Tuesday appealed for calm and the peaceful resolution of differences.

“There can be no issue which cannot be resolved through democratic processes and dialogue. Members of the public are encouraged to use channels available to raise their concerns,” Acting Director-General of GCIS, Donald Liphoko, said.

He said perpetrators will face the full might of the law.

“Violence, damage to property and infringing on others rights and free movement will not be tolerated by law enforcement agencies.”

Liphoko said while all South Africans had a constitutional right to protest, government condemned any form of violence and intimidation and encouraged continued dialogue.

Didiza was seen as a neutral choice over the two ANC factions in the capital, one supporting Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa and the other favouring his deputy, Mapiti Matsena.

This article first appeared on News24, see here.