MMC for Economic Development condemns looting in Johannesburg
The City of Johannesburg strongly condemns the ongoing acts of violence, looting and the unnecessary destruction of property and infrastructure in the City.
“These acts of violence happen at a time when the City is registering positive economic trends after months of economic decline as the result of the Covid-19 pandemic and negative economic growth,” said the MMC for Economic Development, Lawrence Khoza.
“The City of Joburg, the country and the world at large is still battling the deadly pandemic with the fast-spreading Delta variant putting unimaginable strain on the limited resources.
“As the City focuses on the current rollout of vaccination plans across all seven regions, it would like to focus all its efforts and resources on the recovery of its economy.
“These disruptive tendencies, behaviours and activities are not helping the current economic environment. Big businesses, SMMEs and co-operatives are going to suffer and possibly be liquidated as a result of these unfortunate acts of violence and looting.
“In a metro characterised by high levels of unemployment, the current wave of looting and violence would only lead to more people losing their jobs.”
According to Khoza, “The City will continue to build an inclusive economy that benefits all the citizens and economic stakeholders. It believes that shared growth can only be achieved in an environment that is attractive to investors.
“Such an environment would create the fiscal space and business opportunities to spend on empowering SMMEs, co-operatives, youth, women and people with disabilities. The looting of businesses simply chases businesses away and forces many to close shop – leading to job losses and non-creation of new jobs.
“The City will not tolerate looting and damage to property of any kind and calls upon law-enforcement agencies to act firmly and expeditiously against lawlessness and economic disruption. The City also commends the presence and visibility of law-enforcement agencies.
“We expect that their efforts will help deal effectively with the current acts of lawlessness and bring much-needed normality in the City’s economy.”
The City urges all its residents to immediately report any criminal activities to the SAPS and the JMPD on 086 00 10111 and 0800 002 587, respectively.
