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The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) condemns the recent wave of violence, vandalism, and destruction that has gripped the town of Swellendam during protests.

The scenes of the Swellendam Municipality offices engulfed in flames and the distressing reports of looting and havoc wreaked upon local businesses have ignited deep concerns from various quarters of society.

President of SALGA, Cllr. Bheke Stofile, has voiced his unequivocal disapproval of the malicious acts of arson and vandalism that targeted the municipal building.

"What happened in Swellendam is unfortunate and goes against the values of unity and progress that South Africa embodies. We vehemently condemn these actions and call for swift and resolute justice. Such behaviour undermines the very fabric of our society and obstructs the collective growth we tirelessly strive for,” Cllr. Stofile said.

In the context of ongoing discussions around indigent status and the financial struggles of municipalities, SALGA acknowledges the difficulties faced both by indigent households and many municipalities across the country.

"Indigent policy is intended to ensure targeted support for the most deserving families, while also addressing the financial constraints faced by municipalities. It is meant to improve the lives of indigents and to improve access to Free Basic services for the poorest of the poor, including child-headed households. It should never be a root for conflict and destruction of municipal property," says Cllr. Stofile.

In 2022 SALGA successfully launched a nationwide civic responsibility campaign, Asisho! Let’s Say It, urging citizens and businesses to contribute to the collective well-being by fulfilling their financial obligations in the running of their local municipalities, thereby facilitating the provision of essential services to those in greatest need. Municipalities are owed in excess R300 billion by households and businesses and this has led to financial constraints which in some instances has affected the servicing of indigent households that have successfully registered.

Indigent status, Cllr. Stofile stresses, is not a static arrangement, as economic circumstances can evolve over time. Families once deemed indigent might experience improvements in their financial situations. To guarantee continued assistance for those truly in need, municipalities require registered households to periodically reapply for indigent status, often on an annual basis. This practice ensures that aid is effectively channelled towards those who genuinely require it.

SALGA urges communities to engage in constructive dialogues with their local authorities to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. 

SALGA Western Cape Chairperson Ald Donavan Joubert says: "SALGA has collaborated with the municipality to assess the extent of the damage and to determine the necessary support required. What we do know is that critical services must be prioritized and protected to allow the municipality to continue to provide services to the community”.

SALGA further calls upon the Swellendam community to join hands with the municipality to find sustainable solutions on the issue of indigent policy for the municipality and for all stakeholders to rally behind the Swellendam municipality and its community during this difficult period.

Issued by The South African Local Government Association Western Cape