Regional secretary Wende Marekwa says the party is aware of several attempts of looting and vandalism in some areas in Kimberley.
THE ANC in the Frances Baard District said on Tuesday it will work in partnership with members in all its 55 branches across the region to guard communities against looting and violence.
ANC Frances Baard regional secretary Wende Marekwa said the party is aware of attempts of looting and vandalism in some areas in Kimberley.
He said such incidents created unnecessary instability in the city and the Province.
“Looting and violence will never bring any positive change but will rather leave our towns in a state that is not conducive. We will work together with communities to make sure that we continue to work towards building a modernised city and Province. Communities can protest in a dignified and peaceful way to demonstrate their dissatisfactions, or rather send a delegation to government or municipal officials to be engaged on any matter concerning them,” said Marekwa.
He said that although some residents might be feeling the financial strain due to the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, communities should, however, not see looting as a means to solve these challenges.
“Taking into cognisance the negative impact of Covid-19 on our economy, where many families lost their breadwinners and some businesses had to close their doors due to the coronavirus, we should find a proper solution to deal with the current socio-economic issues. However, looting and violence will not bring the desired solution.
“We also need to be aware that the country is currently under the strict alert Level 4, which prohibits the gathering of large groups. Therefore, those who will be found in large gatherings protesting, will, according to the Disaster Management Act, be charged for contravening the lockdown regulations.
“Branch executive members (BEC) that are entrusted with the responsibility to guard against looting and violence across all branches must at any given time report those that are found contravening any lockdown regulation,” said Marekwa.
