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Nelson Mandela Bay will not Shutdown!

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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 COVID- 19 pandemic, natural disasters, and other tragedies. We are stronger and can achieve a better life for all of us when we stand united.

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Views Since 15 July 2022: 19

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.