“We are ready and willing to engage with all stakeholders who have an interest of this community at heart. No matter how long it takes, I believe that through negotiations, we will find a solution to the problems affecting Kennedy Road residents, said the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu.
Mchunu was addressing Kennedy Road Stakeholders’ Symposium and concerned residents at the Kennedy community hall, yesterday. He assured residents that the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government is committed to rooting out any criminal elements that seek to undermine the human rights of Kennedy Road residents.
“We will do whatever it takes to resolve the ongoing criminal and violent attacks that threaten the social fibre of residents of Kennedy Road,” he said.
Mchunu made an impassioned plea to the leader of Abahlali Basemjondolo, Sibusiso
Zikode, who has boycotted three meetings convened by government since the infamous weekend attacks.
“I am informed that Zikode is part of the local leadership structures, or at the very least he has some interest in Kennedy Road. I am disappointed that he could not make it to the Kennedy Road Stakeholders’ Symposium; I will continue my efforts to engage with him. I will not stop until such time that he announces his intention to exercise his right not to talk to government or its leaders.
We will respect such a pronouncement. It is inconceivable that we may impose ourselves on any citizen. Human rights of all South Africans ought to be respected even if we disagree with one’s choices”.
Mchunu also condemned the infamous weekend attacks and described them as a “despicable criminal attack on unarmed civilians”. He said the KwaZulu-Natal government stands ready to defend the freedoms of Kennedy Road residents, including their right to the freedom of association and the freedom of movement.
On policing, he said: “The South African Police Service will exhaust every available legal avenue and resources to bring the “bandits” who are terrorising the community to book. If you do crime, you must do the time”.
For more information please contact:
Bhekisisa Mncube
Cell: 079 699 5755
Issued by: Department of Transport, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
5 October 2009
Source: Department of Transport, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
(http://www.kzntransport.gov.za/)
