Zandisile Luphahla

ANC and Cope members came out in their numbers as the much-awaited trial of ANC Northern Cape chairperson John Block and his co-accused began in the Kimberley Court on Thursday, amid a heavy security presence.

ANC Youth League members came to show support for their leader, while the Cope supporters were baying for blood. They braved the rainy weather to converge at a park next to the court.

Both groups were seen dancing and chanting struggle songs, with a barricaded fence dividing the them.

The ANCYL members were wearing “Hands off John Fikile Block” T-shirts, while Cope members sang insulting songs, referring to Block as a thug and a liar who had enriched himself.

Members of the provincial executive including Elvin Botes, the MEC for social development, Crizelda Cjiekella, MEC for education, Mxolisi Sokhasha, from health and Pauline Williams, MEC of sport were also present.

A large mobile advertising board stated: “ANCYL Northern Cape fully supports John Fikile Block. Hands off our leader”.

Block, Gaston Savoi, Fernando Praderi, Patrick Lenyibi, Frank Mashilo and Nandipha Madiba are charged with fraud, corruption and contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act.

The charges relate to alleged irregularities in the acquisition of a water purification plant by the Sol Plaatje municipality in April 2011. All six have been granted bail of between R2000 and R15000. Northern Cape ANCYL chairman Shadrack Tlhaole has described the case as a political conspiracy to destroy the integrity of Block.

Cope regional secretary, Rosie Ludick, said people wanted service delivery, not the abuse of taxpayers’ money.

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