EXCO denounces violence in Limpopo

SEKHUKHUNE – The Limpopo Provincial Government on Tuesday convened an urgent Special Executive Committee meeting aimed at getting first-hand information regarding the state of readiness from the Security Cluster on contingency plans to manage possible unrest situation and ensure stability in the province.

The Special Executive Committee meeting was called following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on Monday, 12 July following sporadic incidents of violence and lootings that marred the country in the recent days.

The meeting noted that the acts of violence resulted in destruction of property, destroyed lives and livelihoods and in the main, infringed on the human rights of other citizens as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

It also noted the fear the situation put on law abiding citizens, farm workers and farmers, essential workers, particularly health care workers and its negative impact on economic nerve centres.

Limpopo Premier Chupu Mathabatha said destruction in its very nature brought along many unintended consequences unfathomed and that therefore, as Limpopo, they urged the communities to remain vigilant and be on the high alert.

Mathabatha further said: “On the very same wavelength, I like to take this opportunity to thank social media users in Limpopo, who in one voice publicly declared their condemnation to the public violence taking place in our country.”

The EXCO also applauded the taxi industry in the province, which on Monday, released a communiqué to the public and their customers in condemnation of the violence taking place unreservedly and said that they would never participate in the destruction of property, looting of shops and blockading of roads.

The committee extended its best wishes to all traditional leaders, faith based organizations, civil society groups, Non-Governmental Organizations and all members of the society for remaining calm during the current trying period.

Premier Mathabatha added that as a province they could not afford to interrupt the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out plans and therefore, they would not be part of the ongoing public violence.

“We will continue avoiding gatherings, we will continue social distancing, wearing our masks, sanitizing and washing our hands with water and soup,” concluded Mathabatha.