Johannesburg – Tshwane mayoral candidate Thoko Didiza said on Thursday she feels at home in Tshwane and looked forward to her new responsibilities in local government.
“I am a resident of Tshwane, it is my home. I want to thank the people of Tshwane who welcomed me warmly when I made the capital city my home years ago … I dont feel alienated in Tshwane,” Didiza told reporters in Johannesburg.
Speaking for the first time in public about the violent protests which erupted after she was named ANC mayoral candidate for Tshwane, Didiza She said the burning of property and looting were not a reflection of the people in the region.
“I must say it is sad to see the destruction in our communities. No matter the level of disgrunt, people should not be engaged in violence. We plan to work together with the communities and leaders to end this.”
The provincial party leaders introduced Didiza and other Gauteng mayoral candidates to the media on Thursday amid reports of continuing looting in the Tshwane region. Didiza, who joined the other candidates appeared calm and smiled at cameras directed at her.
Violence broke out on Sunday night and esccalated on Monday. Roads were blocked, buses torched and shops looted in townships such as Atteridgeville, Mamelodi, GaRankuwa, Mabopane and Hammanskraal.
Protesters said they were against the naming of Didiza as the ANC mayoral candidate for the metro. They were demanding that Tshwane Mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa remain in office for a second term.
When asked how she felt about violent events that unfolded in Tshwane, Didiza said as a resident of the city she would respond by working hard to continue programs instituted by incumbent mayor Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
“The other responsibility of leadership is to rise above situations,” she said.
African News Agency