​MEC Jacob Mamabolo has called on communities to refrain from violence and destruction of roads infrastructure when embarking on protest actions. 
He also raised concerns about the negative impact of traffic disruptions, roads blockades, destruction of roads infrastructure and the inconvenience caused to road users and motorists.
This came out of the discussions MEC held on Friday, 07 May 2021 with community leaders from Nellmapius Extension 22 in Mamelodi, the Mamelodi Amalgamated Taxi Association, representatives from the City of Tshwane and Department of Human Settlements to provide feedback on the electrification of the Nellmapius Extension 22 RDP houses. 
The intervention by the MEC comes after residents had blockaded Solomon Mahlangu Drive and shut down its construction revamp demanding electricity. 
This led to clashes with taxi operators who were demanding that the road be reopened as the blockade was affecting their operations. MEC Mamabolo intervened to stop further clashes. 
He appealed to the residents, "we urge communities to raise issues affecting them in a peaceful manner and not to resort to destruction of public property and blockading of roads". 
Further, he appealed to the taxi industry not to resort to violence when faced with community protests. This concern was raised after it was alleged that some taxi operators opened fire at protesting community members. 
"We are deeply concerned about tensions between communities and the taxi industry playing themselves out on the roads, with the community protesting for services and taxi operators trying to recover from the negative financial impact brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic," Mamabolo remarked. 
The MEC urged communities to "instead approach the relevant authorities to resolve their issues through peaceful engagements".