Government has noted with concern the violent acts of intimidation and public violence associated with the industrial action of the public servants.
Government condemns the violence, intimidation, disruption of services and vandalism with which some public servants have responded to a fair and reasonable wage offer.
Against this background, a special joint meeting of the Security and Social clusters of government was held in Pretoria this morning.
Ministers agreed on a range of measures to be taken to ensure the safety of citizens and employees who are not part of the industrial action, as well as the growing number of volunteers who are stepping forward to deliver services abandoned by strikers.
The measures are designed also to ensure continuity of services and the protection of public property.
Today's meeting followed a decision by Security cluster to reconstitute the National Joints Operation Command (NATJOINTS) to coordinate the activities of all the security agencies.
Government wishes to ensure that while public servants exercise their democratic right to embark on industrial action, they do so responsibly and within the confines of the law. In turn we expect them to respect the rights of other members of the public.
At a special joint meeting of the Security and Social cluster, held this morning in Pretoria, government leaders were adamant that no acts of violence will be tolerated.
Based on the way in which strikers have targeted various service delivery sites, security agencies are being deployed countrywide as of today to secure members of the public who need to access services, as well as staff who are not on strike.
Steps will be taken against strikers or sympathisers who intimidate staff or members of the public, or commit acts of hooliganism, destruction of property or violence.
As part of a quick response mechanism, government will ensure that:
- The criminal justice system is being put on high alert and special courts to deal with acts of hooliganism will be set up to ensure swift justice, notwithstanding the participation of some court employees in the strike.
- Provincial joints have been activated in all provinces and will coordinate the deployment of police and related security services to hospitals and schools.
- Special protection will be afforded to critical staff at hospitals, schools and other key government institutions.
- Interdicts will be served on unions to prevent them from accessing key government departments and infrastructure.
- The principle of no work and no pay will apply and one deduction will be effected, as opposed to the staggered mechanism.
Government applauds the noble actions of volunteers who have come forward and pledge their services to help in hospitals and schools.
"We call on all retired professionals, parents and members of the public assist in ensuring that some form service is rendered to our people. We will ensure their safety through our coordinated security plan".
Enquiries:
Brian Dube
Cell: 082 418 3389
