Insults should not deter councilors to communicate with people - MEC Shongwe

22 February 2012

In order for public protests to be avoided in the province, Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe said councilors should constantly provide service delivery reports to their communities.

MEC Shongwe was speaking during a MUNIMEC meeting between him and municipalities in the province that was held in Nelspruit yesterday [21 February 2012]. 

He said that most protests were caused by the lack of communication between the community and Councilors.

“Councilors must stay in touch with the people who elected them into power. They need to hold frequent meetings and explain the challenges they are facing in delivering services to avoid violent protests. They would be insulted by people but they still remain public representatives. 

“Our police are there to fight crime and not to always deal with protests, so such incidences must be avoided at all times as they overstretch law enforces,” said the MEC.

Shongwe added that violent protests prevent the government from succeeding as public buildings and roads are destroyed during the protests. 

“Criminals also get easy opportunity to commit crime during these protests. Councilors must take this issue seriously as it destroys government,” added Shongwe.

The MEC added also that municipalities have a major role in the fight against crime by making streets accessible for police to operate and clearing of bushes as well as monitoring abandoned and dilapidated houses as they are used by criminals and prostitutes for their mischievous activities.

He also called on the municipalities to support police initiatives of fighting crime and provide resources where possible.

He added that the issue of municipalities not having by-laws remains a problem as police are unable to enforce the law.

He called on those municipalities with by-laws to forward them to the department before end of March this year in order to plan together strategies of enforcing the law.

Some public safety councilors who were part of the meeting requested assistance with regard to the maintenance of traffic lights and road markings and also requested information on the proposed AARTO project which will come to effect as soon as the Minister of Transport announces the date.

Other matters discussed at the meeting include; progress and functionality of Multi Agency Mechanism structures within municipalities, new policy on Community Safety Forums and road safety initiatives. 

Enquiries:

Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450

Issued by Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison

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