22 April 2013
Acting GCIS CEO, Phumla Williams has condemned in strongest terms possible violence and destruction of properties by members of Elias Motsoaledi community, in Soweto, during the recent service delivery protests.
It is regrettable that the violence has led to the loss of life.
Williams said “whilst we acknowledge the right to protest as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic, we encourage all people of South Africa to protest within the confines of the law, and not destroy or damage property or infrastructure during their actions”.
Local municipalities have been urged to communicate with community members on a regular basis regarding delivery of basic services. “If there is a challenge, municipalities should engage the communities and provide an interim measure to address whatever the challenge may be. Municipalities should not wait for communities to protest and then respond to their needs, they should rather engage each other on a regular basis to avert unnecessary protest actions”, said Williams.
“On this Freedom Month, people are encouraged to take responsibility while exercising their rights”.
Williams has warned that the law enforcement agencies will act harshly to those who destroy properties during protests.
ENQUIRIES:
Phumla Williams
Cell: 083 501 0139
Issued by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
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