M Mdladlana on violence during security guard wage protests

24 March 2006

Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana has strongly condemned the violence
that characterised yesterday’s (Thursday) national wage strike protests by
private security guards.

Pandemonium broke out shortly after thousands of security guards had
dispersed from the Labour Ministry’s Pretoria headquarters where they had
handed in a memorandum of grievances.

Several people sustained rubber bullet wounds and at least one security
vehicle was set alight while protesters engaged in running battles with
police.

Reacting to the violence, Minister Mdladlana today (Friday) expressed anger
and disappointment at the turn of events.

“It is quite disturbing to note that some people will not hesitate to use
violence to push their viewpoint despite all the dispute resolution mechanisms
at their disposal. Violence has no place and will only harden attitudes and
jeopardise any chances of a speedy solution to the dispute.

“The strikers should realise that violence can only serve to destroy their
own cause,” he said. Minister Mdladlana once again urged employers and workers
to return to negotiations for an amicable solution to allow normality in the
sector.

Enquiries please contact
Mokgadi Pela
Cell: 082 808 2168
Website: http://www.labour.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Labour
24 March 2006