Pretoria: The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) is closely monitoring all strike and protest action underway in the country from their joint operational centre in Pretoria.
The Chairperson of the NATJOINTS, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela of the South African Police Service, today indicated that the situation across South Africa is relatively calm.
He has, however, noted sporadic incidents of intimidation and a few instances of strikers carrying weapons, which is against the law. Those who organise and convene protest actions/demonstrations are reminded that they have a responsibility to ensure that the participants exercise their democratic right to gather and strike within the confines of the law.
The member departments of the NATJOINTS respect the right of every person to assemble with other persons and express their views freely whilst enjoying the protection of the state. At the same time we expect such rights to be exercised peacefully and without infringing on the rights of others.
The Regulation of Gatherings Act, Act No 205 of 1993, clearly stipulates that the organisers or conveners of gatherings and in certain circumstances even the participants in a demonstration may be held liable for damages incurred. This places an onus of responsibility on all involved to conduct the proceedings peacefully and within the confines of the law.
“One of the various priority committees established by the NATJOINTS is the Stability Committee which is held fortnightly and attended by stakeholders from various public and private sector entities. At one such meeting which was held on Monday, 9 September 2013, the committee resolved that, although various strike actions are underway throughout the country, the overall situation is stable. The majority of the strike action meetings and gatherings have, over the past few days, been peaceful,” said Lieutenant General Mawela.
The NATJOINTS has activated its provincial components and where necessary, besides the important monitoring role, has ensured that contingency plans are in place to deal with any eventuality in a focused and multi-disciplinary manner.
While we appreciate the leadership which has been shown to date by many organisers which has led to mostly peaceful protests, we must emphasise the fact that the SAPS will arrest those who break the law. Experienced detectives are on standby to investigate such cases and the National Prosecuting Authority, as part of the NATJOINTS, will ensure evidence-directed prosecution.
“We can give our assurance that the security forces, government departments and agencies, as well as our partners in the private sector, are satisfied that we are dealing with the situation in a calm and measured manner,” added Lieutenant General Mawela.
Media enquiries:
Lieutenant General Solomon Makgale
Cell: 082 778 3718
