The final countdown to the National and Provincial Elections is underway, with just over five days remaining until the big day. As political parties vie for victory, residents may be concerned about the possibility of social unrest in the coming days, reminiscent of the events in July 2021.
This concern follows a post circulating on social media, claiming that after the Constitutional Court’s ruling on Monday, 20 May 2024, which declared Jacob Zuma ineligible to stand for the National Assembly, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has threatened to disrupt the elections if Zuma or the MK Party is removed from the 2024 ballot paper.
The post also highlights the official statement from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) following the Constitutional Court’s ruling. The IEC stated it acknowledged the Court’s judgment, which clarified the Commission’s role in qualifying candidates for election to the National Assembly.
The IEC noted that it had approached the Court for clarity on whether it had the authority to enforce section 47(1) of the Constitution regarding eligibility for the National Assembly.
“Now that the matter has been settled by the highest court and given that the constitutional uncertainties have been clarified, the Commission can continue with final preparations for free and fair 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE) single-mindedly, without apprehension that the elections are susceptible to challenge,” highlighted the IEC.
To avoid confusion, the Electoral Commission reiterated that the judgment will not affect the 2024 NPE ballot papers in any way.
“The photograph of Mr Jacob Zuma will remain in the cluster of identifiers of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party. The name of Mr Jacob Zuma will, however, be removed from the list of candidates nominated by MK Party,” said the IEC.
In light of this, the circulating post states that the MK party has threatened to take the matter to the United Nations Human Rights Committee in an attempt to overturn the judgment. The post also claims that the potential for riots has increased significantly due to the Court’s decision to exclude Jacob Zuma from standing for office, citing his support base and the risk of repeating the July 2021 unrest.
Additionally, the post highlights several areas identified as potential hotspots for protests by Jacob Zuma and/or MK Party supporters, allegedly planned for 25 May 2024. These areas span across South Africa, including Newcastle, Dannhauser, Ladysmith, Utrecht, Estcourt, and Mooi River in KwaZulu-Natal.
Jan van Rensburg of Magenta Security and the Chairperson for sectors four and five of the Newcastle Community Policing Forum (CPF) said, “The CPF is ready for any issues which might arise, and the Magenta Security team is also on 24-hour standby for all emergencies.”
Furthermore, he noted that the CPF and local security companies are working closely with the Newcastle SAPS, with contingency plans in place for emergencies. More police manpower is also expected in Newcastle, according to van Rensburg.
While preparations for the elections and potential unrest are underway, Ismaeel Dhalech, of Optimus Protection Services and the Chairperson for the Newcastle CPF, explained that the CPF and law enforcement are investigating the validity of the post. However, he confirmed van Rensburg’s sentiments, stating that plans have been established for any situation that may arise in the coming days.
“If people notice anything out of the ordinary or strange activity, they should immediately notify the necessary officials or the sector heads of the CPF, and the matter will be looked into,” said Dhalech.
In the interim, van Rensburg has urged residents to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information. In case of emergencies, van Rensburg stated, “It is important to remember that residents must refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Leave it to law enforcement. People can protect their property, but only in an emergency.”
Furthermore, Dhalech noted that in preparation for the upcoming elections and any potential increase in crime, the CPF is calling on all residents to assist in active patrols from 29 May 2024 to 2 June 2024. He explained that all patrols will be coordinated via the CPF in cooperation with SAPS.
The objective of the patrols is to create active visibility in Newcastle and provide real-time information on any potential risks. Patrol hours and routes may vary based on planning by the CPF and the Security Cluster. Anyone wanting to join is encouraged to contact the respective team leaders of the CPF via the respective WhatsApp Groups.
While the Newcastle CPF has assured residents that the police and themselves are looking into the post and establishing emergency plans, Bheki Khanyile, the National Chairperson for Progressive Civics Congress (PCC), which is in alliance with the MK party, has claimed the post is nothing more than a smear campaign.
“There are no marches that are being planned by either the MK or the PCC. We are presently focusing on our campaign and the elections that will take place next week,” he said, adding that if anything did happen it would not be because of the MK Party or the PCC. Furthermore, he added, “We have no reason to disturb the elections that we are going to win.”
Additionally, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has assured South Africans that a conducive environment for a peaceful election has been prepared.
“As the NATJOINTS, we are confident that the measures put in place are sufficient to ensure that the country’s upcoming general elections proceed without any incidents of crime and disruptions,” said Deputy National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, during a recent media briefing.
Led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the State Security Agency (SSA), the NATJOINTS has conducted a national security assessment with key role players in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster.
Mosikili further highlighted that the NATJOINTS Coordination Centre (NCC) is operating around the clock, closely monitoring the situation through proactive identification of threats and vulnerabilities. “The centre serves as a central point of contact for coordination of information and the reporting of incidents to ensure a swift, prompt and coordinated response,” said Mosikili.
All operations related to major events in the country, including the National and Provincial General Elections, will be coordinated through the NCC structure, which is mirrored at the provincial level by the Provincial Joint Operation and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), activated through the provincial joint operation centres.
The NATJOINTS and PROVJOINTS five-pillar approach is being implemented to ensure that all areas of concern are covered through:
- Intelligence gathering, analysis and coordination.
- A proactive approach, which includes high visibility to police, prevent and respond to any crime eventuality.
- Combat approach through law enforcement in response to any violation of the law through deployment of specialized units, supported by the SANDF should the need arise for the SANDF to exercise their secondary role of supporting the SAPS.
- Reactive approach through detection and case management; and the fifth approach; and
- Awareness and information sharing led by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Electoral Commission (IEC), the NATJOINTS and other government departments in keeping interest parties and communities at home and abroad updated through messaging that will enhance the safety and security of everyone in the country.
“While measures have been put in place, the ultimate responsibility of a safe and secure election lies with each one of us. It is a partnership that is required to create harmony, respect for self and others even as we make our way to the polls and back home,” she said.
While the post about potential riots on Saturday, 25 May 2024, will be taken seriously until proven otherwise, law enforcement is implementing a series of safety measures.
What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
