The Provincial Government has noted service delivery protests at Tswaing Local Municipality and Mahikeng Local Municipality with grave concern. Particulary the violent nature of the protests.
Residents have a right to engage in protests which are peaceful and non violent. Violent protests encroach on the rights of other residents who do not associate themselves with them.
Premier SOR Mahumapelo calls on communities to utilise available democratic platforms to air their views rather than to engage in violent protests.
“Violent protests have an effect of reversing the advances which the democratic government has made so far. We urge our communities to further utilise the Setsokotsane programme which is currently in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality to raise their concerns so that they can be resolved.” Mahumapelo said.
The service delivery protests at Tswaing municipality has resulted in the burning of three schools which left learners in the area stranded at a time when they needed to earnestly start preparing for the final year examinations.
The Provincial Government commends the Executive mayor of Mahikeng Local Municipality and the Executive District Mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema for immediately availing themselves to engage the communities yesterday and urges all other public representatives to do the same.
Communities are further advised to be wary of individuals with ulterior political motives who seek to hijack community issues by fuelling violence and destruction of government buildings and private property.
For enquiries, contact
Brian Setswambung
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
