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In a media release, the KwaDukuza Municipal Council has noted with concerns and disappointment the level of criminality, destruction of property and looting of various businesses in the area. In its statement, the Council noted that criminals targeted liquor outlets, thereafter focussing on other entities.
The Council further said it appreciates the work done by all law enforcement agencies, including private sector security companies, organised community-based crime-fighting bodies, and general public members who have played a part in reducing the looting and destruction of property and its impact on communities.
And when focussing on the destruction, the government entity’s statement elaborated on key points, such as the local economy, stating that local businesses and property owners in the KwaDukuza CBD, Shakaskraal, Etete, Groutville and Stanger Manor, have been heavily hit by these criminal activities. “The impact of this on our local economy will be felt in the next few months, in particular by those who have been employed by the looted businesses, business owners who have to repair their damaged properties, try to keep tenants, informal traders and public transport sector. This impact will also contribute to the increase of crime within our communities due to the sharp increase in unemployment, inequalities and poverty.”
Threat to food security and basic health essentials –The Council also noted that the looting of retail shops, particularly those selling food, vegetables, various national distribution centres, and burning of trucks along the national roads, has compromised the food value chain around the country. KwaDukuza is not the exception and is highly affected.
The Council explains there is ongoing apprehension in the community, whereby specific communities working with the private sector have designated the catchment “roadblocks” areas of those who will have access to shops or be given a special preference in terms of buying goods and services. “As Council, we would like to call all food outlets and garages to ensure that they adhere to the constitution by ensuring that all people irrespective of race, religion or creed, have access to the shops within our jurisdiction and goods sold in those shops,” the Council’s statement reads.
Community-LED Protection of Property and areas – In its statement, the Council said it appreciates the work done over the last few days by various communities in its area to ensure the safety of their property and business properties and ensure they keep what is left in it their area.
“This has been done to complement the overstretched law enforcement agencies, who have been overwhelmed by the number of people that were part of criminal actsengulfing our area. We have also noted that there has been both positive and negative reaction by our residents about these initiatives. As the Council, we are concerned by various videos that are capturing what is deemed as acts of RACISM in some of the access points in particular in the area of Ballito.”
The Council claims that it prides itself on being a Council that has championed social cohesion and promotion of diversity over the years. “As we are facing the challenges of access to food and other necessities, everybody is affected either you are staying along the N2 or R102.”
During these trying times, the government entity stresses, “We should use this crisis we are facing to unite our community and promote the spirit of UBUNTU.” They also call on business owners and national retailers to provide leadership as responsible corporate citizens by ensuring that they serve all people with equitable food. “We are calling all our community members to adhere to restrictions on the number of items they can buy per shop to ensure equal distribution of food during this period.”
Furthermore, the Council states it has a responsibility of ensuring that there is peace and stability in the area. “We don’t want to see the issue of access to certain areas and shops, being used by certain individuals to advance racism and community discord. Let us all have access to food, petrol and health facilities.”
COVID-19 pandemic – The KwaDukuza Council is also calling on all shops owners and their communities to continue to adhere to Covid 19 regulations. “Let us ensure that in all our ques we adhere to social distancing and wearing of masks. We are also calling all community members who are between the age of 35 to 49, to register for their covid vaccination.” The registration for this age category opened on Thursday, 15 July 2021.
What are your thoughts on the KwaDukuza Council’s statement? Share your views in the comment section below.
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