ANC MEDIA STATEMENT ON SERVICE DELIVERY PROTESTS

The African National Congress (ANC) has a deep understanding of the seriousness and impact that lack of service delivery has in the lives of the people.

The ANC, however, strongly condemns all criminal acts in the form of violence against foreign nationals, destruction of State and private property, and looting of shops in some parts of the country under the guise of "service delivery protests".  We call on our branches to work with all organs of civil society in ensuring that ANC policies are well articulated to the people.

We have engaged to find solutions to all problems and concerns raised with us by communities during door-to-door campaigns and public gatherings in the run-up to the 2009 elections. In many instances, the Government - at all levels - has put plans in place to address the issues.  In line with the commitment we made in the 2009 Election Manifesto, the ANC wishes to reiterate that it is not impervious to genuine community concerns.

Mindful of the importance of face-to-face communication, we appreciate the commitment by Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Sicelo Shiceka to visit affected areas to listen and find solutions to people's concerns.

Statement issued by African National Congress national spokesperson, Jessie Duarte, July 23 2009

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