VANDERBIJLPARK. – Military veterans of the Azanian People’s Liberation Army (Apla) recently stormed the buildings of the Emfuleni Local Municipality.
They allegedly disrupted services and demanded to be employed.
It is alleged that members first disrupted a tender meeting hosted on the first floor before heading to the top floor. The Apla members said they also wanted jobs in the Expanded Public Works Programmes (EPWPs). The Apla members were led by Bongane Majola, regional chairperson, and Jomo Mbele, secretary. Majola said they have given the government time to get its office in order.
“We don’t count ourselves as exceptional but we are going to force entry into the Sedibeng District Mayoral Council sitting next time. This time we just want our voices heard. We have instructed homeless members to occupy empty RDP houses in Tshepong. This was previously done by members of MKMVA and the municipality kept mum and rewarded them with more houses.
“Apla also demands 30% of RDP houses,” he said. The Apla members were addressed by acting ELM Mayor Dimakatso Malisa, MMC for Agriculture Thembile Nquba, and Council chief whip Elizabeth Sale. Chuchi Radebe from the office of the ELM, confirmed that a group of protestors stormed the municipal building, threatening employees. All affected buildings were evacuated and staff released to go home.
