11/10/2016: Rule of law must prevail in Joburg
Executive Mayor, Cllr Herman Mashaba has called for calm and for a negotiated settlement in the #FeesMustFall protest campaign following yesterday’s escalation of violence between students and police in at Braamfontein.
“While we uphold the Constitutional right to assemble and protest, and while we also sympathise with the plight of students who are crippled by tuition fees, we also have a constitutional mandate to ensure public safety for all communities, workers, informal and formal business owners, motorists and other public space users,” said Cllr Mashaba.
He condemned criminal activities which led to the torching of a bus, looting businesses and pelting stones and bottles at passing motorists.
“These acts are nothing but criminal and there should be serious consequences for those found responsible. Our Metro police will work hand in hand with the SAPS to bring those responsible for the mayhem to book…we will not stand by and watch while human life is endangered and infrastructure is destroyed,” said the Mayor.
Cllr Mashaba apologised to all those who were inconvenienced and lost goods from looting, promising to mandate the MMC for Public Safety, Michael Sun to step up security on the roads, open spaces and the Braamfontein business precinct.
In support of his commitment as Mayor of the City, Cllr Mashaba conducted a walk about in the Braamfontein Precinct to convey a message of support to businesses, workers, motorists and ordinary people who use the public space.
Mayor Mashaba was accompanied by the head of Metro Police, Zwelibanzi Nyanda and law enforcers who assisted in identifying places where damage took place. He will later meet with the Wits vice-chancellor, Prof Adam Habib and will later consult with the leader of a joint committee of students’ leadership, Tiego Moseneke, who leads the former Black Students Society and Students Representatives Council leadership.
During these meetings the Mayor will discuss the Council decision to keep JMPD off university campuses in Johannesburg and focus on their responsibility to protect people and infrastructure outside of campuses.
Mayor Mashaba will also discuss the role the City can play in assisting universities and students.
“We are in the process working on something significant and will be in a position to announce it within 30 days,” stated the Mayor, adding “we acknowledge the legitimate concerns of many students who cannot afford tuition fees and we need to create a more inclusive, fair and equal society. These students can play a vital role in future economic growth, job creation and service delivery in our City.”
Executive Mayor
Councillor Herman Mashaba
City of Joburg
Media enquiries:
Gabu Tugwana
Mayor’s Spokesperson
011 407 7375
082 495 5673
