DA protest outside Eskom, Westville – April 3, 2019 (FILE PHOTO)
Wed 18 January 2023:
Government has acknowledged the frustration of South Africans, due to a combination of factors, which have led to sporadic protests that occurred on Monday.
Government has urged for calm amid a series of sporadic protests reported in parts of the country on Monday.
In a statement, Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, said government acknowledges the frustration of South Africans, due to a combination of factors.
“Government is alive to the issues related to the delivery of basic services, and calls for concerns to be raised in a peaceful and legitimate platform. During this difficult period, citizens, business, organised labour, wider social formations and government need to pull together to overcome the current challenges. We are a resilient nation and will overcome these difficulties that afflict us.”
Government said the Constitution guarantees the rights of citizens to embark on protests.
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“However, it must be done responsibly and within the confines of the law. The destruction of property and the infringement of the rights of others cannot be tolerated. Such acts of destruction similarly add to our woes as at times they destroy the very infrastructure which is needed to allow the economy to grow,” the Minister said.
“The South African Police Services and law enforcement agencies will act against those who violate the law. Communities must allow the police to do their job, without any interference,” said Gungubele.
Government noted videos and commentary on social media that presents South Africa out of context and paints an erroneous image of the country. These videos are deceptive and have the potential to adversely harm the country.
“We all have a role to play to improve our country, and these harmful social media posts serve individual interests and not that of improving our beautiful country. Let us play our part in building our country by exercising our democratic rights responsibly,” said the Minister.
– SAnews.gov.za
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