AfriForum warns Lesufi and intervenes to help solve the refuse removal crisis in Tshwane
The civil rights organisation AfriForum has today announced a five-point plan to solve the crisis in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, which has caused refuse to pile up on the streets for almost two months. In addition to this action plan, AfriForum also sent a letter to Panyaza Lesufi, the Premier of Gauteng, in which the organisation strongly warns against placing the Tshwane Metro under administration for political reasons. AfriForum also emphasised in this letter that the organisation is ready to take any necessary steps to ensure that its members and the public’s rights are protected in this regard.
This situation arose as a result of illegal strikes that have been disrupting refuse removal services in the Tshwane Metro since the end of July. AfriForum’s community structures already helped the Tshwane Metro in August with the removal of refuse that has been piling up. However, the ANC provincial government, led by Lesufi, this week threatened to place Pretoria under administration as a result of this crisis.
AfriForum’s five-point plan includes the following:
- AfriForum’s neighbourhood watches are ready to help the Tshwane Metro during refuse removal.
- AfriForum’s structures will take care of refuse removal themselves with the help of the private sector.
- AfriForum’s legal team is currently busy preparing the necessary steps to compel the South African Police Service (SAPS) to protect refuse removal services from disruption.
- AfriForum sent a letter to Lesufi in which the organisation strongly warns against placing the Tshwane Metro under administration for political reasons.
- AfriForum will meet with officials of the Tshwane Metro on Thursday 7 September to discuss practical cooperation to solve this crisis.
“It is clear that the ANC and EFF coalition, in collaboration with trade unions, is again deliberately trying to create conditions for the Tshwane Municipality to be placed under administration. AfriForum will ensure that municipalities are not placed under administration for cynical political reasons,” says Morné Mostert, manager for Local Government Affairs at AfriForum.
“These disruptions are clear evidence of the necessity of an alternative approach to refuse disposal. AfriForum’s community-based solutions and practical devolution of power are that proven alternatives. While Lesufi plays political games, AfriForum will cooperate with any political party that is serious about empowering communities to take service delivery into their own hands,” concludes Mostert.
