MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison; Ms Martha Bartlett condemns the recent spates of violent protests shaking our communities across the Northern Cape Province.
Just after a week following her appointment as the newly MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Ms Martha Bartlett strongly condemn with contempt a violent protest that erupted during her visit while accompanying the MEC for Roads and Public Works, Mr Dawid Rooi on Thursday; with the expressed purpose of receiving a memorandum from the John Taolo Gaetsewe communities directed to the Northern Cape Provincial Government at the N14 road.
“While we all understand that members of the community have the right to take part in peaceful marches as outlined in the Constitution, Communities should exercise the right to protest responsibly, within the parameters of the law that govern our democratic country.” Said MEC Bartlett
This follows the latest outbreak of violent protest action that happened yesterday at the N14 road in the John Taolo Gaetsewe region; where protesters blockade the road with stones inciting violence, just before the memorandum was to be handed over.
The MEC also took a swipe at those who continue to influence violent protest after yesterday’s attempt on closing down the road as well as inciting violence and further calls for an immediate investigation on what transpired Thursday.
“Those that continue to instigate violent protest will face the full might of the law, because an attack on the police and the political leaders is a direct attack on government”. MEC send a stern warning.
MEC Bartlett appeals for calm and normality in the area following what transpired yesterday, and she further urge parents not to take their young children to either participate or be spectators at protest actions in order to avoid the repeat of the past experiences encountered during the year 2012 wherein children were prevented from attending schools and participated in marches, in the John Taolo Gaetsewe communities, with the intention to bring service delivery to a halt.
“As the Provincial government, we will never shy away from our people, because this is the government of the people, by the people, for the people; our people shall govern. We will ensure that all issues raised during the Imbizo are addressed optimally.” MEC echoed.
The MEC assure members of the community that their safety is of her concern, as a result the police will continue to patrol and monitor the area to prevent further lawlessness. She further urge all role-players in the fight against crime to take charge in executing the responsibilities in working together with all communities to restore calm and guide peaceful protests in future.
MEC Bartlett is determined to restore calm in all communities across the province starting with the Jacksonville community in Kimberley next week, Thursday, 12 June 2014 at 16h30, following a turf war which broke out between foreign tuck-shop owners over trading space in the area. A platform in a form of an Imbizo will be created to allow the Jacksonville community members in raising their fears directly to the MEC more so that, issues raised should be dealt with appropriately.
“While safety is regarded as a precondition for human development and enhancing productivity, where citizens do not feel safe and live in fear, their ability to contribute to the country’s overall development is greatly compromised. It is therefore, imperative for all communities to continue working hand in glove with all stakeholders in the fight against crime at all times”. said MEC Bartlett in her closing remarks.
Statement released by : Mr Lebogang Majaha
Ministerial Spokesperson
Transport, Safety and Liaison
071 8836 404