Service delivery protests hit South Africa

  1. Posted on Wednesday 14 October 2009 - 09:00
    Mernat
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    Mernat Mafirakurewa, AfricaNews reporter in Johannesburg, South Africa
    Police in SA had to fire rubber bullets to disperse thousands of violent residents protesting against poor service delivery. A number of violent incidents were reported across parts of Gauteng and Mpumalanga. The residents are demanding improved infrastructure for sanitation, electricity and housing.
    sa police
    "There was an expectation that things would improve for the working class and for the lower income groups. But this is not happening," said Nel Marais, political analyst at Executive Research Association.

    Talk Radio 702 said protesters in the Standerton Township of the north-eastern region of Mpumalanga had barricaded roads leading into the township and were marching to the municipal offices, calling for an end to corruption in local government.

    Police spokesman Captain Leonard Hlathi said protesters torched a municipal office in the eastern town of Belfast.

    Two police officers were injured by thrown stones, he said.

    Dissatisfied people in townships and informal settlements are trying to increase pressure on President Jacob Zuma to meet election pledges to help millions who are still living in poverty 15 years after the end of apartheid.

    Nearly 60 people have been arrested in the protests, some which began a few weeks ago.

    Protests across South Africa have in recent months been increasing in their intensity and violence.

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