The Tshwane metro has suspended bus services in Mamelodi and neighbouring Eersterust following protest action by residents.
Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the residents were demanding houses, reduction in levies and rates and reliable electricity and water supply.
“We suspended the morning service as the bus routes and alternative routes were all blocked and it was becoming dangerous for both drivers and commuters,” he said.
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He said the bus would operate again from 15:00 on Wednesday.
Bokaba said the metro had accommodated Eersterust residents in Nellmaphius Extension 22.
“We have requested all those that are registered for housing to go to the metro satellite office in Mamelodi to register for a subsidy… the application process is currently underway,” he said.
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“One of the challenges we face is that some of the residents in Eersterust do not want to move out of the area, and that is not how housing allocation is done.”
He said rates in Eersterust, like any other part of the city, were determined by property values, and levies by consumption.
Bokaba said in a separate incident, the metro police and the SAPS were monitoring a protest in Tsamaya Road, Mamelodi, where taxi operators were at loggerheads.
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“It is alleged that the two groups are fighting for taxi routes,” he said.
“The situation is currently calm and the TMPD and SAPS will remain on-site until the situation normalises.”
The metro police urged residents, particularly bystanders, to avoid volatile situations where they might end up being hurt.
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