KwaZulu-Natal's MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Willies Mchunu has condemned the looting of shops in the Durban CBD yesterday. Mchunu said:
"The looting is uncalled for. It dampens business confidence and threatens the economic development of our province. We people may be opportunistically using the genuine concerns and plight of our people to achieve short term selfish ends.
The ANC led Government has clear policies on addressing hunger, want, and underdevelopment. We urge our people to be in touch with all relevant state departments. As due process of the law takes its course, we hope a strong message will be sent out to all (alleged looters and would be looters) that looting is a punishable crime."
He added:
"The actions of a few people allegedly belonging to the South Africa Unemployed People's Movement leave much to be desired. These actions are akin to anarchy. Anarchy has no place in a democratic South Africa. Let us engage more even if it means agreeing on how to protest against each other in the spirit of co-operative governance. I call upon the leadership of the SA Unemployed People's Movement to engage with us on these matters."
For more information please contact:
Bhekisisa Mncube
Cell: 084 928 4412
Lennox Mabaso
Cell: 082 884 2403
Issued by: Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
23 July 2009
