Nelson Mandela Bay will not Shutdown! – NMBM

During these tough economic times we need to open our economy – not shut it down.
Whilst we respect the right to protest, South Africa is a Constitutional State that
subscribes to the rule of law. 

Nelson Mandela Bay will not Shutdown! During these tough
economic times we need to open our economy – not shut it down.

Whilst we respect the right to protest, South Africa is a
Constitutional State that subscribes to the rule of law.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality therefore strongly condemns
the call for a shutdown of our City and will not tolerate any incitement to
commit violence or intimidation of those who do not wish to participate.

These planned protests, labelled by the organisers as a
“National Shutdown” falls on the day before we celebrate Human Rights Day on 21
March 2023, when many South Africans celebrate the dignity afforded to them by
the South African Constitution.

We want to assure the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay that
20 March 2023 will be a normal business day, contrary to the pronouncement by
those advocating for any disruption. The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has
put measures in place to ensure that everyone who wants to go to work, travel
for leisure and conduct business on this day does so in a safe and secure
environment.

Anyone who intimidates, stops anyone from going to work,
barricades the roads and highways and uses any form of violence to try and stop
people from going on with their lives will face the full might of the law.

“The safety of citizens, property and infrastructure remains
our top priority. The impact of the planned shutdown will also have a
significant impact on the city’s economy, and we cannot allow that. As an
employee you have the right to go to your place of employment, nobody can
deprive you of that. The problem with the South African economy is that it’s
not inclusive, but you won’t get a more inclusive economy by shutting it down,”
said Executive Mayor, Cllr Retief Odendaal.

Nelson Mandela Bay Law enforcement officers will be out in
their numbers to protect the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay, whilst enforcing
the law. The South African Police Service, Metro Police, Traffic Services, Fire
Department, Private Security Companies and Neighbourhood Watches will be
working together to ensure citizens can move freely in and around the city.

Nelson Mandela Bay Law enforcement have compiled
comprehensive action plans and will be deployed to strategic locations to
protect citizens and businesses.

“Our law enforcement agencies are ready to deal with anyone
who seeks to cause disorder or anarchy. Acts of violence, intimidation and destruction
of property are criminal offences and the police must arrest and prosecute
those who commit such acts,” said MMC for Safety and Security, Cllr Lawrence
Troon.

Most communities and various sectors of society including
SANTACO, the National Taxi Association, the local Taxi Association, the Road
Freight Association, and organized structures within communities, have rejected
the call to shutdown.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality wants to make residents
aware that social media platforms are being used to give credence to the
protest and want to encourage people not to believe everything they read on
social media. These platforms are used as tools to incite fear and
intimidation. We rather urge residents to report incidents to the SAPS as swift
action will be taken against any perpetrators. The normal 10111 can be used as
well as a dedicated JOC can be reached at 041 394 6408/9.

“Our country has witnessed senseless acts of violence,
destruction of property and assets and the loss of life, all in the name of
protests. We respect the right to peaceful protests for which the Constitution
makes provision, we are condemning the incitement to violence and the
intimidation and blatant threats to people’s lives and livelihoods, said Cllr
Odendaal.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality calls on communities,
faith leaders, our organised labour movement, formations of women, youth and
our business sector, to join hands and condemn those seeking to wreak havoc in
our city. As a nation, we have shown our ability to stand together during the
toughest times facing the COVID19 pandemic, natural disasters, and other
tragedies.

We are stronger and can achieve a better life for all of us
when we stand united.

Issued by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Office of the
Executive Mayor.