“Rule of law must prevail in Joburg,” Mayor Mashaba

11 October 2016

 

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 Mayor Mashaba.

He condemned criminal activities, which led to the torching of a bus, looting of businesses and pelting of 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 Mayor Mashaba.

He also apologised to all those who were inconvenienced and lost goods, promising to mandate the MMC for Public Safety Cllr Michael Sun to step up security on the roads, open spaces and the Braamfontein business precinct.

Mayor Mashaba was accompanied by Metro Police Chief Zwelibanzi Nyanda and law enforcers who assisted in identifying places where damage had taken place. He was later due to meet with the Wits Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adam Habib before consulting 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, Mayor Mashaba 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. He will also discuss the role the City can play in assisting universities and students.

“We are in the process of working on something significant and will be in a position to announce it within 30 days,” said Mayor Mashaba, 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.”