Yet another illegal strike causes violence

DA Ward Cllr Rene Pohl writes:

The DA strongly believes in the Rule of Law. Yet we have seen another illegal march which merged into intimidation, violent behaviour and vandalism.

The Constitution states that we have a right to protest, as long as we do it peacefully. The Regulation of Gatherings Act states that “every person has the right to assemble with other persons and to express his views in any matter freely in public and to enjoy the protection of the state while doing so.”

Why do protests become violent? Part of the problem is that protesters or the police sometimes do not follow the laws about protesting. And why illegal?

The convener of the protest must give written notice at least 7 days before the protest. This must be handed to the responsible officer in Council, the Traffic Dept. and the police.

There must be 1 Marshall for every 20 protesters to ensure peace and order. The Union SAMWU has shown that they have no knowledge of the relevant applicable Laws. Thus the hooligan behaviour.

The DA believe that much stricter steps must be taken against unions who do not comply to these Laws. The Municipal Systems Act , Section 5 states clearly that members of the local community have a right to have access to municipal services. Both Municipal workers who reported for work were intimidated and forcefully removed from office. Members of the public were refused entry to the municipal building.

The Municipal Manager of a municipality must provide a copy of the Code of Conduct to every member of the staff. Breaches of this Code must be dealt with in terms of the disciplinary procedures of the municipality envisaged in the Municipal Systems Act of the Municipal Manager’s job description.

The principle of No Work No Pay also applies. The DA will see to it that no one will go unpunished regarding this matter.

Two cases have already been reported top the police. We will keep the community posted.