Protests a concern
The ruling party to probe allegations that the service delivery protests might have been spearheaded by disgruntled members of the ANC.
MBOMBELA – The ANC in the province will launch an investigation into the recent spate of service delivery protests which had turned violent and left state-owned properties burned and damaged.
This was announced by Mr David Mabuza during the two-day provincial executive committee (PEC) lekgotla held at the Nutting House Resort & Conference Centre, a couple of kilometres outside Nelspruit.
Mabuza said the investigation which would comprise both members of the national executive committee (NEC) and the PEC, was prompted after allegations that the protests might have been spearheaded by disgruntled members of the ANC.
“We have appointed a task team to investigate the exact causes of these protests and the involvement of our members.
“We are of the view that those who are staging the strikes are assisted by the very same members of the ANC. We are very worried about these protests,” he said.
Asked what actions the organisation would take against members who were found guilty, Mabuza said, “The task team will return after three months with their recommendations. And if they recommend that disciplinary action be taken, we will then refer the matter to the disciplinary committee and it will be handled from there.”
Mabuza went on to point out they were not happy with those who opted for violent and disruptive measures resulting in the destruction of public property.
“People are undermining the gains of our democracy and that of the ANC-led government. These people are not patriotic and are not working for the betterment and development of our country but are actually working against progress and the little that we have achieved so far.
“Our people have the right to protest when they have issues they need to voice out, but we feel they need to communicate and engage with leaders and ward councillors first to try to see what and where the problems are.
“We must not, however, only blame the people. Our leaders are also to blame because they are not rooted, they no longer have time for the people. And this must also change, they need to listen to their problems,” he went on.
Mabuza, who took over the chairmanship back in 2009, said he believed the ANC was now united compared to when he took over. “You will always have elements here and there that would want to create problems, but the ANC with its ability will be able to undermine those and continue forward.”
