Calm has returned to Hammanskraal following two weeks of unrest by protesting former Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers.
The former EPWP workers – whose contracts ended on December 31 – have been demanding new contracts from the municipality.
“Only those with DA membership have been absorbed into the new EPWP programme,” claimed Kotiti Aphane, leader of the former workers.
Protests have been marked by threats and attacks on newly appointed EPWP contract workers as well as city officials.
Police have tried to calm the situation by trying to engage with protesters, said police spokesperson Captain Sarah Lesabane.
“The situation has returned to normal,” said Lesabane.
“We are not sure if the protest is still ongoing in other parts of the community today, but we have not received any reports of protests or incidents of violence as of Monday.”
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The Tshwane metro said it would continue using its lottery-style selection of EPWP workers, which was open to public scrutiny.
“The selection process would also be published in advance in the wards and regions from which the EPWP beneficiaries will be recruited,” said Tshwane metro MMC for shared services Cilliers Brink.
“All possible precautions will be taken to ensure workers’ safety while individuals exercise their right to equal and open appointment to job opportunities in the city of Tshwane.”
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Gata le nna, which means “step along with me”, is a reformed EPWP recruitment policy framework that was passed by the metro council last year.
Last week Wednesday, law enforcement agencies battled protesters at Sebothoma Hall in Temba, Hammanskraal, when DA leader Mmusi Maimane paid a visit.
In the week before that, there were similar incidents, but no violence was reported.
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