Sir
Twice during this month “protesters” took to the streets of Dundee, with rioting mobs in attendance. And what did you, as a protester, achieve? Quite a lot, actually.
• You prevented your children from attending school at examination time. Your children, your future, their future.
• You set a wonderful example to your children – how to behave in an irresponsible manner.
• You prevented people from going to their places of work. Some businesses had to close as a result.
• By burning tyres, etc on the roads you damaged our already poor roads.
• You stoned innocent people and vehicles. Why? Because they were there.
• You attempted to burn Smith cottage at Talana Museum. Why? This is part of the heritage of Dundee. If Peter Smith never came, Dundee would probably not exist.
• You attempted to burn the Kwakunje Village at the Museum. Why? It celebrates Zulu culture, your culture.
• You ripped out road signs. Why? No purpose was served except to place a further burden on the ratepayers of the town whose funding provides such amenities.
• You damaged the reputation of the town. Tourists will now think twice before coming here. Tourism brings millions of Rands into the town each year and helps to keep the town alive by providing jobs. Jobs for you and your families.
• You alienated the citizens of this town by your unruly behaviour. They now have little sympathy for you. You took the Police away from their lawful duties in order to ensure the safety of the town’s citizens.
You claim that your grievances are with the Municipality. The Municipality is a business that runs the town, funded by the ratepayers. You should direct your grievances towards the Town Council. You, the electorate, voted in the Town Council.
The democratic way to remove them is to vote them out at the next Council election time.
Helen Stevens
