POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Municipality says they have not approved any march or shutdown as no applications were received from protestors.

Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala told the Polokwane Observer that they are concerned about rumours of a total shutdown on Thursday (April 4) meant to disrupt normal municipal and business operations in the city.

“Thursday is a regular working day. All roads and businesses, including shopping centers and schools, are expected to operate during their normal operating hours. Law enforcement will be on high alert to ensure uninterrupted operations,” Selala said.

Talks were gaining momentum on Wednesday for locals to join and extend the total shutdown from Mankweng to Seshego and Polokwane as well.

A group of Mankweng residents who have since recruited some community organisations to embark on a shutdown tomorrow also includes residents from its neighbouring villages of Dikgale, Mamabolo, Mothiba, Molepo and Mothapo (Dimamo) seen in invitation posters on social media.

BONUS reported on March 28 that the total shutdown, as it was officially termed by those who plan to bring all economic activity to a halt, comes after what they have interpreted as Polokwane Mayor John Mpe’s failure to deliver on promises made during a stakeholder meeting in late December with regard to addressing nepotism in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) recruitment processes.

In addition, they are protesting against the deterioration of service delivery including water supply issues that span weeks, among others, Nelson Ramogale, a resident of Mankweng said.

Groups in Polokwane, Seshego, Matlala and Mashashane requested to join the demonstration, which they proposed should include a march to the municipal offices to submit a memorandum of demands which reportedly calls for an improvement in service delivery.

If successful, the shutdown would coincide with the municipality’s planned Integrated Development Plan (IDP) consultation with Seshego residents tomorrow from 10:00 to 13:00 at Ngoako Ramahlodi Hall.

Organisers in Seshego said they were aware of this and are equally “tired of unkempt promises from Mpe” over the past years during similar meetings and would be taking part in the demonstrations instead of attending the IDP meeting.

“He (Mpe) promised us that water would be coming out from our taps in November last year but it is not. He keeps visiting the water plant in Seshego saying there’s progress in its construction but how much more longer are we going to wait?” resident George Thembo added.

The Dimamo group at the time said essential services like hospitals, schools and police stations would operate but others have proposed a shutdown of all services.

Meanwhile, the Limpopo police have issued a stern warning against the threat of a shutdown.

The provincial police commissioner General Thembi Hadebe earlier today assured residents in Seshego, Mankweng, Lebowakgomo and Matlala that the SAPS is closely monitoring developments and is on high alert for any eventualities that may arise on or before Thursday.