Infantile democracy costs Alexandra dearly
ALEXANDRA - Infantile democracy costs Alexandra dearly
Misplaced expressions of democracy which turned violent have left Alexandra residents to rue their actions.
This after the arson and carnage from misuse of energy which could have been channelled to worthy causes like tending vegetable gardens at so many needy crèches or other helpful causes within the area.
Counted as one of the least socially and economically endowed settlements in the country, the carnage from post election was a severe draw back to the hugely required services in Alexandra. The irked rioters couldn’t restrain themselves from damaging infrastructure which they and their dependants sorely require. They torched the recently revamped clinic at the upgraded Thusong People’s Centre with petrol bombs and broke many office windows. The centre which is yet to be reopened had been closed for many months for renovations costing millions of rands. Luckily, state of the art equipment for the clinic had not yet been installed. The breaking of windows has left the building vulnerable to inhospitable weather and vandalisation. Provincial Police spokesperson Neville Malila said 30 rioters had been arrested and would appear in Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on 12 May on charges of malicious damage to property.
The building which belongs to the City of Joburg also houses a library and councillors’ offices. The damage implies further delay of Alexandra children’s access to after school study facilities. The cost of damage is being assessed but a local member of the provincial legislature Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane estimates it will run into millions of rands. Counsellor Mokgadi Radebe who was seen evacuating her office said they (councillors) had just moved into the premises which are central and convenient for the community to lodge their concerns. “This is a draw back,” she sighed.
Also, motorists and the public were affected after roads where blocked with rocks, bins, burnt tyres and other household items.
