City of Tshwane outsourcing its powers and functions to vigilante groups
18 March 2022
The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) has noted with concern a statement issued by AfriForum dated 16 March 2022 in which they allege that they are working jointly with the Tshwane Metro Police Department after the MMC for Community Services in the City of Tshwane Cllr Grandi Theunissen had approached them for assistance.
Further to that, MMC Theunissen stated on 17 March 2022 acknowledging the support of some vigilante organisations. We understand AfriForum as an organisation that mobilises Afrikaans speaking people while the majority of the views this organisation as hostile, anti-black and seeking to reverse gains made since 1994.
Our primary concern is that the City has been holding operational meetings with Afriforum, to an extent that Tshwane Metro Police are forced to take instructions from the paramilitary wing of AfriForum with the blessing of senior managers who gave been instructed by the administration, in particular, Cllr Theunissen to do so.
Essentially, the City has taken a conscious decision to outsource its powers and functions to the paramilitary group which also doubles up as a vigilante group.