Department Of Social Development Gugulethu, The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) condemns the violent behaviour of protesters who stormed our Gugulethu Local Office, and disrupted services today.
The protestors burned four vehicles belonging to staff, and damaged two government vehicles used by social workers.
Two social workers were forced to barricade themselves in the building with a child who was in their care, as rampaging protesters tried to access the main office building.
The actions of the protestors who attacked the precinct was nothing short of criminal, and we are grateful to the South African Police Services (SAPS) for responding swiftly to restore order and prevent any loss of life or injuries.
Our social workers and the child, who were in the building during the attack, will receive the necessary debriefing and trauma counselling.
The DSD serves primarily the most vulnerable in our society, and any disruption of our services and destruction of our equipment, has a profoundly negative effect on service delivery.
We are calling on the police to conduct a thorough investigation, and bring those responsible to face the full might of the law.
Media enquiries:
Sihle Ngobese
Spokesperson for Albert Fritz, MEC of Social Development
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 076 083 6543
E-mail: [email protected]