By OBAKENG MAJE
The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) in the North West said it condemns the violent protest that was witnessed in Mahikeng, resulting in road closures, stoning and burning of vehicles. SANCO said the protest also had a negative impact on teaching and learning.
SANCO provincial spokesperson, Mzukisi Jam said, while standing in solidarity with the community in the fight against corruption and the demand for improved service delivery, they emphasize the importance of responsible protest and adherence to proper channels.
Jam further said the organization condemns in the strongest possible terms the barbaric and irresponsible nature of the violent protest, as disrupting schools and damaging property do not align with the reasonable exercise of protest rights.
“We urge the community to refrain from destroying existing infrastructure, while pursuing necessary changes. Incidents such as burning a school bus and destroying vehicles, including a bakery truck, are not constructive developmental actions but criminal acts that warrant an arrest.
“Such destructive protests lack legitimacy as demands are not properly articulated or presented to relevant authorities. The unrest is allegedly driven by a group of individuals calling itself the business chamber, which reportedly seeks preferential treatment in government projects and has been known to obstruct such developmental initiatives,” he said.
Jam added: “This group are known for using violent protests to pressure the government into awarding them business opportunities without adhering to proper procedures, citing issues like high crime rates, corruption, lack of developments, and poor service delivery as justifications for the protest.
“We also urge the government not to succumb to pressure tactics and to ensure that all business opportunities are awarded through transparent and equitable processes, benefiting all citizens of the province equally.”
He said while SANCO acknowledges the government’s commendable efforts in transforming the province into a construction site and accelerating service delivery, they emphasize the need for more improvements to uplift the standard of living for the communities.
Jam said they have observed the launch of major projects such as the Mahikeng Student City, construction and handover of new schools, clinics, houses, tar roads, the Ikageng Light Industrial Park, Bulk Pharmacy in Ventersdorp, opening of new malls, resealing of Mahikeng town roads, and plans for refurbishments of Pilanesberg and Kgosi Dick Montshioa Airports.
“These endeavors are welcomed as are envisaged to generate employment, fostering business opportunities, and contributing to the province’s economic growth. The organization encourages constructive engagement over violent protests, as engagements provide an opportunity for all parties to clarify their positions and find solutions to their problems.
“We also believe that instigators of such violence are not representative of the ANC and are opportunists seeking to tarnish its image. ANC members should know how to address their issues,” said Jam.
He said if there are those involved in these actions, they call on the party leadership to swiftly attend to them as it is unfair for communities’ livelihoods to be disrupted because of internal party differences. Jam said SANCO calls on the Mafikeng community to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in combating these disruptive elements and safeguarding peace and service delivery.
“Additionally, we urge the ANC Provincial leadership to address this issue urgently, while advocating for calmness as law enforcement carries out its duties,” he said.
The Guardian 