Makhura: We cannot allow neglect of coloured communities to continue
Gauteng Premier David Makhura has
vowed to work with the so-called Gauteng Shutdown campaign to create better lives for coloured communities.
The protesters from predominantly coloured communities met with Makhura in the Johannesburg CBD on Friday.
The march follows sporadic protests in predominately coloured communities.
The community of Westbury took to the streets following the death of Heather Peterson, who was shot and killed during a gang-related shooting.
Several other communities also subsequently took to the streets to voice their concern over crime and economic exclusion.
Makhura said he understands the communities’ frustration.
"I was the first premier to say that we have to correct this neglect, so I didn't say it to you because you were marching I said it in the conference of the ANC and communities that I visited," Makhura told protestors after receiving a memorandum of demands.
Makhura said it is crucial for the government and communities work together to tackle social ills.
The group gave Makhura seven days to respond to their grievances.
"I have your memorandum. At the end of the week will have met as the Gauteng provincial cabinet. I want to say again that I will continue to echo what I have echoed before, we can't allow this neglect and under-investment to continue.
I commit to you today. I am going to work with you. I want to work with every community in Gauteng," Makhura said.