KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, notes with concern the so-called service delivery protests accompanied by the acts of violence, stone-throwing and blockading of roads in Muden near Greytown.
The MEC condemns the blockading of road linking Muden with Greytown as this has a negative impact on the economy of these small farming towns. It is understood that the protests were triggered by a difference over land ownership, which is being contested between the community and a local farmer. This conflict has brought instability to the area, which has affected the free movement of locals and learners.
MEC Mchunu has called on all parties to this conflict to work swiftly towards resolving it so that normality could be achieved. “The Government of KwaZulu-Natal respects the Constitutional rights of the people of Muden to protest lawfully and peacefully.
However, violent protests that impede the freedom of others to exercise their rights and to drive safely on provincial roads are totally unacceptable and should be condemned with in strongest possible terms.”
“In this regard, I urge those who have genuine grievances to rather engage in a dialogue with authorities in a bid to resolve their problems rather than embarking on violent protests that may undermine the validity of their cause,” said Mchunu. Mchunu also called on those in authorities to engage the leadership of the protest and seek to find a lasting solution to the local problems and challenges.
“However, in a situation like this police have a duty to safeguard peace, protect life and property and ensure that the situation returns to normality. And as such police are keeping a close eye on the situation in Muden and I want to warn those who will be found in a possession of doing what is against the law while protesting they will be arrested,” he said.
