Unemployment pushing the boundaries of civility in Kriel

Unemployment pushing the boundaries of civility in Kriel

Violent protests have erupted in the town of Kriel over the past few days. These protests have allegedly erupted as a result of escalating unemployment in the area and the employment practices of local companies.

The DA respects the constitutional right of every South African citizen to protest on any matter they wish. In exercising their right to protest, angry community members cannot conduct themselves in a manner that infringes upon the constitutional rights of other citizens.

The DA condemns violent protest in all its forms; the behaviour of these protestors is unacceptable in a democratic society and is counter-productive to their cause.  

Protesting residents need to understand that the irony in their actions is that as they damage public property or businesses they are, in fact, destroying jobs, while claiming to be protesting for their creation.  Youth unemployment in Emalahleni is at 36% and as long as government fails to implement the youth wage subsidy and other job creating mechanisms, such protest action is bound to recur.

The DA has contacted the SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Thulani Ntobela, urging him to ensure that additional police back-up deployed to the area in order to bring the situation under control and return stability to the town of Kriel.