Organisation works to discourage vandalism
FOURWAYS – Following the civil unrest in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal with widespread crime and riots, community members took to Fourways for public participation in discouraging looting and riots.
Community members of non-profit organisation United Youth Project took to the streets of Fourways on July 18 to highlight the need for community participation and to discourage looting and vandalism.
United Youth Project launched their Safety Campaign Project which involved a number of taxi associations, residents, security companies and faith-based organisations.
Member of United Youth Project, Tshepo Marakalala said it was important for the community to stand up against the riots which recently took place in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. “It is a threat to our democracy and a violation of our rights as citizens. It is completely unacceptable that people are threatening our safety as citizens and destroying public and private infrastructure,” he said.
“As residents of the community, we decided to do the Safety Campaign Project in Johannesburg North area to discourage community members from participating in the current protest action that has ripped SA apart and leading to food shortages and hunger.”
Marakalala added, “The [elderly] know the sad history of this country and they must teach the youth about the importance of this young democracy and the need to protect it. We only have one South Africa and burning it will not solve the problem but destroy it.
“We are working with Douglasdale SAPS and Community Policing Forum and we appeal to all stakeholders to reach out and be united by joining us during this painful moment in our history.”