Premier slams violent protests
Zanele Majola pleaded with the Premier to consider reopening the Ngwelezana-based offices of the Department of Social Development.
KZN Premier Willies Mchunu has condemned acts of violent protests engulfing the province and the country, saying this was not contributing to nation building.
Mchunu addressed the community of Ngwelezane during the Operation Sukuma Sakhe campaign held last week, during which all KZN MECs descended on City of uMhlathuze wards to engage communities on issues pertaining to service delivery.
‘Part of what we are here for is to ensure that people are indeed enjoying the fruits of the freedom they fought so hard for. There is nothing wrong with people highlighting issues, but there is no justification for damaging property, such as the burning of schools, libraries and factories,’ Mchunu said.
‘If this happens, it cannot be you (ANC members) who destroy the infrastructure of your own government. We have seen community members embarking on violent protests because they were not happy with the nomination process of their candidates.
‘It is not the first time people complain about election results. These things happen. They come and go, but those who burn property and loot are enemies of the government and the people,’ he said.
Mchunu began his tour by visiting the Ngwelezana Place of Safety and a community garden project before engaging with community members who converged at Ngwelezana Hall.
Community members aired their views on many service delivery related issues.
Zanele Majola pleaded with the Premier to consider reopening the Ngwelezana-based offices of the Department of Social Development.
‘Most pensioners were affected by this closure, as they now have to travel long distances to get to Empangeni Rail to access their social grants in the new offices, which are not convenient to them’ she said.
Mchunu noted the community concerns and promised to come back with a detailed report on issues raised in all other areas visited by the other MECs.
Mchunu described Operation Sukuma Sakhe as an effective tool designed to respond to the needs of the people.
‘This initiative is aimed at fulfilling the goals of rebuilding the fabric of society by promoting human values, fighting poverty, crime, disease, deprivation and social ills, ensuring moral regeneration,’ he said.
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