Today’s protest at Birch Acres Mall follows on from 2014 inquiries from residents regarding the use of open spaces.
Residents blocked roads off with burning tyres and rocks since 1am and the mall was closed for business earlier this morning.
Many learners attending Jeugpark and Birch Acres Primary Schools could not get to school this morning because of roads being blocked. At Birch Acres Primary School more than 700 learners from Tembisa and Birch Acres extensions could not attend school.
Also read:
• Birch Acres, Tembisa calm after service delivery protest (2014)
Organisers of the protest told Tembisan journalist, Jantji Ngweyama, that open spaces in the area had been earmarked for community facilities such as libraries, clinics, schools, parks and community halls.
Residents said these open spaces had since been sold to private entities. Residents handed over a memorandum to Ekurhuleni mayoral office representative, Vusimusi Zondo.
Residents granted the mayor’s office seven days to respond.
The area is returning to normal now.
