Vehicles torched and stoned in protest over MyCiti jobs

Residents of Ramaphosa informal settlement blocked roads with burning tyres on Friday morning, demanding jobs on the MyCiti project. Photos: Sandiso Phaliso

Roads were blocked in Philippi on Friday morning by people demanding jobs on the MyCiti bus project along Govan Mbeki Road.

The road was blocked with rocks and burning tyres. A car was set alight in front of the municipal sub-council offices. A contractor’s vehicle and a Golden Arrow bus were stoned.

Police responded and ensured the road was reopened, said SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi.

The protesters, who live in Ramaphosa informal settlement, want jobs on the project. They argue that the City-appointed contractors should be hiring local people.

Two weeks ago, protesters handed a memorandum of demands to the City of Cape Town. Earlier this week, they marched to the sub-council offices, demanding a response to their grievances. Having received no official response, they decided to block roads on Friday

The City has obtained a court interdict against the Philippi and Crossroads business forums and two individuals, to prevent any attempt to intimidate officials and workers at the construction site. This was after death threats were received, the City said.

Philippi Business Forum secretary Thanduxolo Xokoza said the forum was not involved in Friday’s protest.

Protest leader Themba Xola said, “We have been talking with the City and the contractor for a long time and it is clear the only language they understand is disruption, so we are disrupting the continuation of the project.”

Mayco member for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas told GroundUp that the City does not prevent anyone from participating in the MyCiti project. He said there were lawful and transparent processes available to local businesses and residents from the affected wards to apply for the available opportunities that form part of the construction project.

He encouraged residents and local businesses to register on the City’s job database, but emphasised that “the fact that you have registered does not mean you will definitely receive an opportunity”.

“The City will not accede to any demands for the project work to be halted as this will result in standing time cost for the City. The City is contractually obligated to continue with the works. We request all community members to be patient, allow the contractor to proceed, and to follow the protocols.”

The MyCiti bus project currently underway along Govan Mbeki road.

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