Protests have erupted in the Joburg CBD on Wednesday, leading to significant disruptions throughout the area.
Watch: Protests break out in Joburg CBD on Wednesday, 15 May 2024
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Videos circulating online show groups of demonstrators blocking roads with waste and rubble, creating a tense atmosphere throughout the city.
The protests have caused considerable traffic disruptions, with several key thoroughfares blocked.
Authorities are on high alert, with law enforcement deployed throughout the area to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
Who is behind the protests?
Wednesday’s demonstrations are linked to Pikitup employees, who, according to sources, demand permanent employment as their contracts are due to expire in June 2024.
From what we understand, the protests took place under the banner of the Democratic Municipal and Allied Workers Unions of South Africa (DEMAWUSA).
Historically, similar protests occurred in 2019 when Pikitup workers staged protests over job security and employment terms.
These employees included former contract workers from the Jozi@work program and other temporary staff who sought to address their precarious employment conditions through such demonstrations
This incident develops amid escalating tensions between various nonprofit organisations (NPOs) across Gauteng and the provincial government.
According to reports, these groups recently announced plans to protest later this week, specifically targeting the provincial social development department.
The core of their grievances stems from significant funding delays which have precipitated a crisis within the sector.
Despite recent meetings between NPO representatives and key government officials, including Premier Panyaza Lesufi and members of his executive, dissatisfaction remains high among the affected groups.
On Tuesday, Premier Lesufi sought to reassure the sector of the government’s support, announcing financial adjustments and policy changes intended to address their concerns.
This includes the suspension of a controversial funding clause and the reinstatement of previously cut budgets, which had seen the social development department’s budget reduced by R233 million in March.
However, the Gauteng Care Crisis Committee, which represents 62 organisations, has expressed continued frustration over the management of the department and the handling of their funding.
Lisa Vetten, a representative of the committee, articulated that the reassurances given were insufficient and that written promises were necessary to rebuild trust.
The group will embark on a planned protest on Friday, 17 May 2024 at the department’s headquarters.
This is a developing story.
