Johannesburg - The DA in Gauteng has called for a snap debate in the provincial legislature over violent protests in Bekkersdal, the party's caucus leader in the province Jack Bloom said on Sunday.
“I have written today (Sunday) to Ms Lindiwe Maseko, the Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, requesting an urgent debate on the violent protests in Bekkerskal,” he said.
“The situation in Bekkersdal is extremely worrying. Property has been vandalised and shops looted. It is so bad that pupils writing matric are being placed in a special residential camp outside the township.”
He alleged that Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane had “inflamed the situation” by protecting Westonaria mayor Nonkoliso Thundzi, who residents have accused of corruption.
“She has also insulted residents by saying she does not want their 'dirty votes',” he said.
Mokonyane reportedly made the comment when protesters did not want her to address them, according to a report on City Press's website on Friday.
The DA wants the premier to explain why she refuses to place the Westonaria council under administration and investigate the corruption allegations and to account for what it believes is her poor handling of the crisis.
Sapa