Practical Economic Transformation SA (Pret) has distanced itself from violent protests that took place at the intersection leading to Sasol Charlie 3 Gate in eMbalenhle on Tuesday, 19 September.
This came after a group of people, some wearing Pret SA T-shirts, blocked the roads a day after the organisation’s peaceful march to Sasol.
According to police, buses were smashed at Gate 7 by unknown people who were protesting at about 9pm.
A case of malicious damage to property was opened, but no one has been arrested yet.
Mr John Nkosi, Pret SA Govan Mbeki Municipal convener and ANC ward councillor, said his organisation was not involved in the violent protest.
He said they heard people were demonstrating and blocking roads, but that none of the protesters were members of Pret SA though some were wearing the organisation’s T-shirts.
“The coordinators and I were the first people on the scene and we arrived even before the police. We spoke with the protesters and they dispersed. I believe the police can attest to that.”
Mr Nkosi was not aware of the damaged buses and said no one had spoken to him about it.
He said Pret SA is an informed organisation and will not break the law.
He said in every protest there is an element of criminality by some individuals for self gain, but the organisation should not be associated with that.
Pret SA wants Sasol to prioritise giving work and business to locals.
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/97893/pret-sa-not-happy-with-sasol/
The organisation has given Sasol an ultimatum to employ 1 500 local unemployed people.
Mr Nkosi said Pret SA is not happy with the way Sasol is handling negotiations and has described Sasol as being arrogant and of not caring for the community they operate in.
“We are not backing down and will continue to voice our frustrations with Sasol until they do what is right. We are returning to the streets on 28 September and this time we expect more than 5 000 people to join us. Sasol must take responsibility and be transparent about their recruitment strategies.We still maintain we want the list of all the service providers and labour brokers.”
Police said they will keep monitoring the situation and asked the community to refrain from breaking the law when they are protesting.
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