The CBD in our neighbouring town of Parys was brought to a standstill last week by a group of people protesting over electricity load reduction and poor service delivery. Parys businesses were forced to shut down, and residents were advised to remain in their homes.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is warning the community and businesses situated at the Fochville CBD to be vigilant following an announcement by the Kokosi Task Team that they will be marching to Fochville Civic Center to handover a memorandum to the Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mzi Khumalo.
We have seen the copy of the letter to the MEC for COGTA by the Kokosi Task Team demanding him to come and receive their memorandum regarding the issue of electricity load reduction. According to the letter, the handover will be on 26 January at the Fochville Civic Center at 12:00 pm.
The DA has also been reliably informed that the Kokosi Task Team applied for permission to march however, their application was not approved. This means it will be illegal if they go ahead with the march.
Electricity load reduction is a huge challenge facing all communities in Merafong. However, proper channels and procedures to apply for a march are put in place to ensure the protection of all civil rights. By so doing, police will be deployed to ensure the safety of the protestors and the surrounding area where they will be marching. This will ensure that no opportunist elements intend to destabilise businesses in the area.
The businesses and residents must not suffer any losses because of the incompetency of the Merafong Local Municipality, which is failing to deliver basic services.
The DA will engage with the SAPS, local CPFs and local community safety to ensure police visibility in and around the Fochville CBD on 26 January to ensure the safety of our people and businesses.
We also urge the community to follow the proper channels to apply for marches, as it is within their right to protest. Community members are encouraged to report any instances of looting or associated criminal activity. Here is a link to report any criminal elements:
Scan this QR code below to join the group:
