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2010-03-29:Mayor Masondo condemns violence and intimidation to achieve objectives   

Johannesburg’s Executive Mayor, Clr Amos Masondo, today (on Sunday) committed the City to continuing transport negotiations with all stakeholders to ensure that “local government works better for all.”

However, he strongly condemned any form of violence or intimidation used by groups or organisations to achieve their objectives. 

“Protest action in terms of our Constitution is perfectly legitimate. It is the violence, intimidation, harassment, damage to property and the general anarchy that we find completely unacceptable,” he said.

Mayor Masondo was speaking in Soweto at the funeral of Mr Sipho Mtambo, the President of the Top Six Taxi Association attended by thousands of people at Diepkloof Community Hall. Mr Mtambo who served on the City’s Steering Committee for the implementation of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit system, died of natural causes last week.

Other dignitories who attended the funeral included the Gauteng Community Safety Member of the Executive Council (MEC) Mr Khabisi Mosunkutu, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Transport Rehana Moosajee, SA National Civics Organisation’s (Sanco) Sphiwe Thusi, senior provincial government and municipal officials and taxi associations including Mr Mtambo’s colleagues, Scelo Mabaso and Eric Motshwane.   

Mayor Masondo said “it is indeed sad that amongst us today, there are still individuals and groups who think they can best make their point here through violence and strikes.”

“Given the fact that government is ever willing and prepared to listen to all legitimate concerns we should condemn in the strongest possible terms those who are involved in violence and intimidation.

“Let us rely on the strength of our arguments and a compelling case rather than brute force,” said Mayor Masondo.

He paid tribute to Mr Mtambo, saying his lasting legacy has been “his ability to see ahead and identify opportunities and possibilities. In this sense he was a true pioneer and a visionary leader who did not flinch from the responsibility of leadership.

Mr Mtambo and some of his colleagues in the taxi industry were part of a “formidable team of people” who grappled with the introduction of Rea Vaya and to ensure a public transport system that is affordable, fast, clean, safe and reliable.

“What I found to be particularly impressive and fascinating is the way the people in the industry were willing to put aside their differences in favour of a bigger cause and common good,” said Mayor Masondo. 

  

  

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Issued by the City of Johannesburg Communications Director
Gabu Tugwana
Tel: 011 407 7162
Cell: 082 495 5673