Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Sibongile Manana have called for lawful and peaceful protests to avoid any unnecessary unrest that impacts negatively on government, business and the community.
Speaking at the Safety and Security Summit on Service Delivery Unrest held at Badplaas today, Thursday, 18 March 2010, Manana said the unlawful protests lead to instability and police being forced to apply force.
Manana said government supported people’s rights to democratically express views on issues they felt strongly about; however they should not cause unnecessary disruption to community.
“Whilst he Constitution grant people the right to lawful demonstration, this right comes with limitations, for instance for the prevention of disorder or crime or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others,” said Manana.
She said in some cases South African Police Service (SAPS) might fight it necessary to place limitations if there is a reasonable belief that the routs applied for may result in serious public disorder, serious damage to property and serious disruptions to the lives of the community.
The MEC added that government had an obligation to prevent crime, disorder, illegal protests.
“When people decide to engage or embark on a protest, they are expected to fall the legal process. The key issue is to comply with the provisions of the Gatherings Act, cooperate with the police,” she said.
She explained that some community members complained that some police officers were responsible for the unrest in the communities as they were alleged to be colluding with the so-called “concerned groups”.
“Police officers are expected to conduct themselves in a particular manner as they strive to maintain peace and stability during the protests time. The code of conduct for the police emphasises professional conduct at all times,” she said.
She urged the intelligence community to assist government in being pro-active in gathering information. This would assist law enforcement agencies to plan and prepare for any eventuality.
Welcoming guests, Albert Luthuli Executive Mayor Sinana Dlamini said according to the local government report, the contributing factors fuelling protests were service delivery backlogs on water, housing and electricity.
It also cited poor communication and accountability relationships with communities and mal-administration.
The summit is as a result of worst-hitting protests that rocked Mpumalanga which saw property destroyed, people stopped from going to work, learners not going to schools and human life lost.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Issued by: Department of Safety, Security and Liaison, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
18 March 2010
Source: Department of Safety, Security and Liaison, Mpumalanga Provincial Government (http://www.mpumalanga.gov.za/safety_and_security/)
