'We will not back down': City-wide shutdown to go ahead

THERE is “no turning back”, according to the organisers of the city-wide shutdown planned for Monday in protest against high electricity tariffs, poor service delivery, and corruption.

The shutdown aims to close streets in and around Kimberley on July 14, from 5am until 3pm.

A march will commence from various gathering points and proceed to the Premier’s Office, where a memorandum is expected to be handed over at around 10am.

A community meeting to finalise arrangements will be held at the Galeshewe circle on Sunday, July 13, at 3pm.

A number of groups — including taxi operators, Ward 18 residents who protested outside the Sol Plaatje Municipality on Thursday over housing complaints, Homelite residents affected by ongoing power outages this week, water meter installers who are aggrieved over payment tariffs, and the Central Northern Cape Business Forum — have indicated they will participate in the march.

Kimberley Action Group (KAG) organiser Boyce Makodi stated that the peaceful demonstration would be monitored by peace officers.

“We have given ample opportunity for the Sol Plaatje Municipality to meet our demands, including reducing unaffordable water and electricity tariffs, implementing the findings of the Section 106 investigation into irregularities, and establishing a steering committee to give input on municipal matters affecting residents. The Speaker, Dipuo Peters, who was suspended following allegations related to the diversion of R79 million from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) and state capture breaches, must step down,” said Makodi.

He added that the KAG had lost faith in the municipality. 

“Thus far, we have been shown the middle finger. We cannot keep on wasting paper repeating the same concerns.”

KAG member Herbert Miller said they expected over 1,000 people to take part in the march.

“Support has been expressed by residents from Roodepan, Colville, Homelite, Lerato Park, Greenpoint, and Galeshewe. People are suffering — they are unemployed and cannot afford basic necessities. Communities have recognised the need to stand up and unite. Businesses are being forced to close their doors because of the high tariffs.”

He added that their concerns continued to be dismissed.

“We were frog-marched out of the municipality by security after the last meeting was cancelled at the last minute. Our intention is to fix Kimberley. People are fed up.”

KAG member Millicent Wolfe pointed out that it was the duty of the police to ensure that no opportunists or rogue elements use the protest as a chance to loot or cause havoc.