Protests in Makhanda raised a major stink ahead of the president's Freedom Day rally.
Protesters from the Unemployed People’s Movement blocked Dr Jacob Zuma Drive ahead of President Ramaphosa’s attendance at a Freedom Day event in Makhanda. Later they spread faeces on the road. Photo: Lucas NowickiProtesters led by the Unemployed People’s Movement barricaded Dr Jacob Zuma Drive in Makhanda during the early hours of Saturday, in anticipation of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s convoy.
“They are saying we are celebrating freedom – what freedom? What is freedom without basic needs? What is freedom without service delivery?” asked Luzuko Kelele, one of the UPM protesters. Protestors were initially dispersed by police using rubber bullets and water cannons. They later returned with buckets of faeces, which they scattered across the road.
Kota said they “would be happy if the president was coming to affirm our position on the dissolution of council”, not for a political event.
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