Manana calls for
lawful and peaceful protests
Media Statement
18 March 2010
Mpumalanga Safety, Security and Liaison
MEC Sibongile Manana has called for
lawful and peaceful protests to avoid
any unnecessary unrest that impacts
negatively on government, business and
the community.
Speaking at the Safety and Security
Summit on Service Delivery Unrest held
at Badplaas today [Thursday, 18 March
2010], Manana said the unlawful protests
lead to instability and police being
forced to apply force.
Manana said government supported
people’s rights to democratically
express views on issues they felt
strongly about; however they should not
cause unnecessary disruption to
community.
“Whilst he Constitution grant people the
right to lawful demonstration, this
right comes with limitations, for
instance for the prevention of disorder
or crime or for the protection of the
rights and freedoms of others,” said
Manana.
She said in some cases SAPS might fight
it necessary to place limitations if
there is a reasonable belief that the
routs applied for may result in serious
public disorder, serious damage to
property, and serious disruptions to the
lives of the community.
The MEC added that government had an
obligation to prevent crime, disorder,
illegal protests.
“When people decide to engage or embark
on a protest, they are expected to fall
the legal process. The key issue is to
comply with the provisions of the
Gatherings Act, cooperate with the
police,” she said.
She explained that some community
members complained that some police
officers were responsible for the unrest
in the communities as they were alleged
to be colluding with the so-call
“concerned groups”.
“Police officers are expected to conduct
themselves in a particular manner as
they strive to maintain peace and
stability during the protests time. The
code of conduct for the police
emphasizes professional conduct at all
times,” she said.
She urged the intelligence community to
assist government in being pro-active in
gathering information. This would assist
law enforcement agencies to plan and
prepare for any eventuality.
Welcoming guests, Albert Luthuli
Executive Mayor Sinana Dlamini said
according to the Local Government
Report, the contributing factors
fuelling protests were service delivery
backlogs on water, housing and
electricity.
It also cited poor communication and
accountability relationships with
communities, and mal-administration.
The Summit is as a result of
worst-hitting protests that rocked
Mpumalanga which saw property destroyed,
people stopped from going to work,
learners not going to schools and human
life lost.
Issued by Mpumalanga Department for
Safety, Security and Liaison
Enquiries: Joseph Mabuza
Director: Communications
(013) 766-4055
082 678 1450
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