COSATU offers to mediate for an end to the faeces war between communities & provincial/local government
COSATU calls for an end to the faeces war between politicians and communities. Besides the indignity of the actions, it is not fitting in a democracy where other means of expressions exist.
There are also significant health risks with this kind of protest actions. We understand the frustration of the people, but do not believe that this is the best way in which to resolve problems. We call on parties to desist from further actions and will attempt to broker a solution with the City and Province.
It is a great pity that Zille has closed down the institutions where such matters could have been discussed. Notwithstanding this fact, we call on the City and Province to respond to COSATU's call for us to mediate between the parties for a solution to the matter.
COSATU appreciates the legitimate right of communities to raise concerns about the sanitation services they are getting, when there are money, technologies and facilities available for different solutions to the needs for sewerage services. The Communities are right when they express the need for greater consideration of their dignity. These portable facilities can easily be accommodated in an enclosure that can be attached to the homes - an option the City seems opposed to. This should, however, only be a temporary arrangement until the water borne sewerage is installed as a matter of urgency.
The essential problem that appears to anger the communities is the fact that they are not consulted on these political gimmicks that the City tries to impose. Respect and consultation would go a long way towards resolving the problems and protests. The ignorance and arrogance of the Political leadership is shown with Premier Zille dancing to a protest song that people were singing. The song strangely enough said that she is a witch, who flies on a baboon. Her attempt to show disdain at the protesters, often just enflames matters instead of trying to connect.
We call for leadership and calm heads in this crisis, lest we see the City and Province become more divided than it has ever been racially, under the DA leadership.
Statement issued by COSATU Western Cape Provincial Secretary, Tony Ehrenreich, June 6 2013
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