Mathabatha was speaking during his visit to the mining town recently, as part of his monitoring of peace and stability in the Mopani district.
His visit comes in the wake of the looting and vandalising of businesses and shopping centres in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
This resulted in South Africans losing their businesses and jobs.
The official death toll of the looting is 276. On Wednesday, July 14, the residents woke up to a message from Phalaborwa’s mayor, Merriam Malatji, advising them that police had received intelligence indicating that there were people on their way to cause chaos as in KZN and Gauteng.
The community, police and stakeholders united and declared that they will not tolerate violence or protests in the area.
Mathabatha started his visit addressing taxi associations at the Namakgale Taxi Rank. He thanked the organisation for their participation in maintaining order.
Also read: Residents say no to looting
He commended taxi associations all over the country who player major roles to protect residents.
Mathabatha also went to Eden Square Mall where he monitored stores complying to Covid-19 regulations.
“After my visit here, I’m satisfied with the state of affairs in the town.
“As I moved around, I saw people who are happy, people who love their community.
“I appreciate the spirit of participation which residents, stakeholders and the taxi leadership showed, this is the spirit which former President Nelson Mandela endorsed,” Mathabatha said.
He was accompanied by MEC’s including Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya, Nandi Ndalane, Nkakareng Rakgoale and was hosted by Malatji.
He also concluded by stating that in October he will be hosting a mining indaba in the area which will address issues such as unemployment.
