Protests erupted in Motherwell on Thursday, 23 May 2024, causing widespread concern and raising fears of a repeat of the 2023 riots.
Motherwell protests break out on Thursday, 23 May 2024
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Protesters took to the streets, burning tyres and blocking Addo Road. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, and pedestrians were advised to use alternative routes.
The situation turned chaotic when a pedestrian was knocked over on Old Bethelsdorp Road in front of a petrol station.
Emergency services were on site to manage the situation and assist the injured.
Who is behind the protests?
Reports indicate that residents from Ikamvelihle are behind the current protests.
The exact nature and reasons for the protests remain unclear at this time. However, historical context provides some insight into the possible motivations.
In mid-2023, similar chaos erupted on Addo Road as about 100 residents from Powerline, Ramaphosa, and Nomakanjani informal settlements in Motherwell, Gqeberha, protested over water and electricity issues.
During those protests, trucks were stoned, and a fruit transport truck was set alight.
Protesters complained about the lack of electricity and water, stating that they had to cook over wood fires, light candles, and eat in darkness due to constant transformer trips and explosions.
In response to the 2023 protests, Mayor Gary van Niekerk stated at the time:
“Teams are working on the lack of electricity in an attempt to address all faults.”
Despite these assurances, the recurrence of protests in 2024 suggests that residents still feel their issues are not being adequately addressed.