STATEMENT ON THE GAUTENG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING
The Gauteng Executive Council met yesterday (Wednesday, 22 July) to discuss a range of issues. The meeting was chaired by the Premier Nomvula Mokonyane. Among the issues discusses were:
- Service delivery protests;
- Mandela Day Campaign; and the
- Establishment of the National Youth Development Agency.
Service Delivery Protests
The Executive noted that protests in the Gauteng were limited to a few isolated areas; that they were instigated by interest groups and that the reasons for them varied depending on the area. It was further noted that poor communication with communities and the hijacking of community concerns by criminal elements were some of the factors fuelling these protests.
The Executive, however, felt that whatever the reason for the protest may be; violence and wanton destruction of property were totally unacceptable. The Executive said it would not allow anarchy to take root in the Province and called on the police not to allow illegal marches and to arrest perpetrators of violence irrespective of their standing in the community.
People had to follow proper channels to raise grievances and to gain permission to embark on protests. Grievances can be lodged with Ward Committees; the Office of the Mayor; the offices of the Department of Local Government and Housing; through Parliamentary Constituency Offices, the Public Participation Office of the Gauteng Legislature and the Office of the Premier.