Violent protest marches
Bredell said, “The Western Cape Government respects and acknowledges people’s right to protest or to voice their dissatisfaction. But this can never happen through the destruction of property or unlawful behaviour, as was the case in Swellendam which saw the municipal offices being set on fire.”
Swellendam municipal offices in the Western Cape was set alight today. Multiple allegations from locals going around, the most common one being that the unrest was stoked by a councillor who comes from a party that starts with an A and ends with a C. SAPS public order police… pic.twitter.com/Gw0Wq3shnv
— Tami Jackson (@TamiTamijack7) August 16, 2023
Over 100 people have been detained in Swellendam
Calm restored to Swellendam
He said protecting data infrastructure is critical for service delivery to residents.
“At this stage, the priority is to protect data infrastructure in order for administrative and financial services to continue,” MEC Bredell added.
The protests erupted early yesterday morning. It is related to the requirement for households in Majoks, Swellendam to register for indigent support.
Protecting data infrastructure
The MEC says it’s essential that indigent support goes to the people who need it. He added, that municipalities must update their registers to support the most vulnerable.
READ MORE: Recent taxi protests in Cape Town
Bredell’s spokesperson, Wouter Kriel this morning said that negotiations will continue with community leaders today, to find a solution.
