When a government disregards the laws of the country and resorts to violence against its own people, it can no longer be trusted and must be voted out of power.
Twenty-five years into democracy, the community of Blybank near Carletonville in the Merafong City Municipality have joined millions of others who are impatient with the ANC- led government for failing to provide them with services.
More than 20 protestors were injured when protesting residents were allegedly shot by police while protesting about poor service delivery by the failing ANC-led government.
The DA condemns the violence against the people of Blybank, especially when used by a government against the very people that it is meant to protect and serve.
Violence against protestors is unlawful as Section 17 of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution states that everyone has a right to protest peacefully.
The provision of basic services has come to a halt in the cash-strapped ANC-led Merafong City Municipality, with money meant for service delivery going to the pockets of officials.
Residents of Blybank say they are tired of living in shacks, without proper sanitation or running water.
The people of Merafong deserve better. They need change.
The DA is committed to speeding up the delivery of quality services. When we say this, we are not just doing so for the sake of votes. Where we govern we have proven that we are a party that gets stuff done. Life is better under a DA government.
Where the DA governs, we do our best to provide quality services and manage the public purse responsibly. Most of all, we do not exert violence on desperate citizens as they call for the delivery that they deserve.
The people of Gauteng deserve change that puts them first.
Only the DA can bring real change that builds One South Africa for All.