The peace-making initiatives by differing political parties and indeed the backing of the people from eNtshongweni deserve praise and acknowledgement. Such efforts can indeed go a long way in ushering exemplary conduct to the current public service strikers.
This was echoed by the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa today when addressing the commemoration of the 21 years of signing a peace accord between various political parties in the area, particularly the ANC and IFP.
For decades eNtshongweni and KwaZulu-Natal was engulfed in intense political in-fighting and violence that left many families destitute while thousands of people lost their lives. However through decisive leadership coupled with communities’ willingness and support, various initiatives, cooperation and peacemaking programs by different political parties, churches, civic organisations and various stakeholders; peace and stability was restored.
“Only history can record the greatness of your (people of eNtshongweni) gestures. Freedom cannot flower to its best except in a climate of peace. We have gathered as we have, not to exhume the sad memories and wounds of our past, but to carve a future that is full of hope. However, in our efforts of carving this future it is also important that we remember our past no matter how gloomy it might have been.”
“This important occasion is both timely and symbolic. Not only as an opportunity for us to reflect on the futility of violence as a means to resolve disputes. But also as a challenge to find the ingredients to make peace possible and real,” added Minister Mthethwa.
He stated that today’s commemoration is further aimed at paying tribute to humble individuals who, by their efforts, have demonstrated that they cherish peace and life itself. Today, eNtshongweni is a making great progress in terms of its development, from schools, clinics, roads and other essential services to the community.
Minister Mthethwa added that the success that was attained in eNtshongweni vindicates a common belief that conflicts can and must be resolved peacefully through dialogue. “As chosen leaders, we are only the facilitators of peace. It is the people of our communities who, through their courage, commitment and efforts translate our political initiatives into practical deeds.”
The minister also utilised the occasion to send a stern warning against those irresponsible individuals who disrespect human rights during the current public service strike. He said while government respects and recognises that strikes are a democratic a constitutional right of every worker to express themselves, however the Constitution prohibits any form of violent, barbaric and intolerant behaviour by striking workers.
“Neither does our Constitution grant for political vulgar during marches. Some of the images the country witnessed these past weeks are a shame and an insult to all those who lost their lives while fighting for the very same human rights. We urge all public servants, particularly the leaders, to refrain from utilising this strike to settle personal agendas. It is after all, the ordinary non-interested members of our society, the vulnerable children who are in dire need to medical attention; who become severe casualties.”
He said government is aware that the majority of participants in these strikes are tolerant and law-abiding citizens and that these callous actions are carried out by a tiny minority among us. “It is inexplicable that certain groups of people should be made to suffer as a result of self-cantered and careless comments by those who claim to be responsible leaders. To even resort to writing and waving discriminatory, vulgarish and demeaning placards in public, is a shame and abuse of this freedom,” he added.
He emphasised that government shall not hesitate to punish anyone breaking the law while hiding under the banner of a strike. “Those who believe they have an unfettered right to insult, murder and destroy the property of others because they are not in cohorts with them, have no place in our society. We also urge those who witness such evil actions to report them to the police. We shall ensure that those who fuel this anarchy are apprehended and the criminal justice system will ensure that they rot in jail.”
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