Violent protests should be stopped
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC Fikile Xasa is concerned about the violent service delivery protests taking place in Helenvale in the Northern areas of the Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality.
The protests started on Thursday morning and the situation remains tense.
MEC Xasa calls on all parties involved including the municipal leadership and members of the community to meet around the table to find solutions to the service delivery challenges facing the Metro.
“We call for peaceful protests and respect for the freedom of movement of members of the community without any hindrance. Putting people and their concerns first in the context of Operation Masiphathisane is the hallmark of our government,” said MEC Xasa.
He added that the department stands ready to provide assistance, if requested to do so by the Metro in the interest of co-operative governance and intergovernmental relations.
We encourage all parties to the conflict to convene emergency talks to mitigate further escalation of the protests in the area, he said.
The MEC sent his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased man who died at Livingstone Hospital after being shot in the neck and head in Helenvale. We also wish the injured speedy recovery, he said.
Enquires:
Mamnkeli Ngam
Cell: 071 685 7981
