Monday, March 20, 2023 will be a normal day of business in Nelson Mandela Bay, despite calls for a national shutdown.
This is according to NMB mayor, Retief Odendaal, who said that during these tough economic times we need to open our economy and not shut it down.
Odendaal said that whilst the right to protest is respected, South Africa is a Constitutional State that
subscribes to the rule of law. The metro therefore strongly condemns the call for a shutdown
of of the city and will not tolerate any incitement to commit violence or intimidation of
those who do not wish to participate.
“These planned protests, labelled by the organisers as a ‘national shutdown,’ falls on
the day before we celebrate Human Rights Day on March 21, 2023, when many South
Africans celebrate the dignity afforded to them by the South African Constitution.
“We want to assure the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay that March 20, 2023 will be a
normal business day, contrary to the pronouncement by those advocating for any
disruption.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has put measures in place to ensure that
everyone who wants to go to work, travel for leisure and conduct business on this day
does so in a safe and secure environment,” he said.
Odendaal added that anyone who intimidates, stops anyone from going to work, barricades the roads and
highways and uses any form of violence to try and stop people from going on with their
lives will face the full might of the law.
“The safety of citizens, property and infrastructure remains our top priority. The impact
of the planned shutdown will also have a significant impact on the city’s economy, and
we cannot allow that. As an employee you have the right to go to your place of
employment and nobody can deprive you of that. The problem with the South African
economy is that it’s not inclusive, but you won’t get a more inclusive economy by
shutting it down.”
He gave reassurance that Nelson Mandela Bay Law enforcement officers will be out in their numbers to protect
the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay, whilst enforcing the law. The South African
Police Service, Metro Police, Traffic Services, Fire Department, Private Security
Companies and Neighbourhood Watches will be working together to ensure citizens
can move freely in and around the city.
Nelson Mandela Bay Law enforcement have compiled comprehensive action plans
and will be deployed to strategic locations to protect citizens and businesses.
“Our law enforcement agencies are ready to deal with anyone who seeks to cause
disorder or anarchy. Acts of violence, intimidation and destruction of property are
criminal offences and the police must arrest and prosecute those who commit such
acts,” said MMC for Safety and Security, Lawrence Troon.
Most communities and various sectors of society, including SANTACO, the National
Taxi Association, the local Taxi Association, the Road Freight Association and
organised structures within communities, have rejected the call to shutdown.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality wants to make residents aware that social
media platforms are being used to give credence to the protest and want to encourage
people not to believe everything they read on social media.
“These platforms are used
as tools to incite fear and intimidation. We rather urge residents to report incidents to
the SAPS as swift action will be taken against any perpetrators. The normal 10111
can be used as well as a dedicated JOC that can be reached on 041 394 6408/9,” Troon said.
“Our country has witnessed senseless acts of violence, destruction of property and
assets and the loss of life, all in the name of protests. We respect the right to peaceful
protests for which the Constitution makes provision; we are condemning the incitement
to violence and the intimidation and blatant threats to people’s lives and livelihoods,” Odendaal added.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has called on communities, faith leaders, organised labour movements, formations of women, youth and the business sector, to
join hands and condemn those seeking to wreak havoc in the city.
“As a nation, we
have shown our ability to stand together during the toughest times facing the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and other tragedies. We are stronger and can achieve
a better life for all of us when we stand united.”
Meanwhile, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has said that their airports will operate as normal during the proposed
national shutdown on Monday.
“Indications by the organisers of the shutdown are that the
action would affect all services, businesses and public facilities, however, ACSA would like to assure the public that it has contingency plans in place to
mitigate any disruptions planned for the day. The legislative instruments are
in place and will be exercised to ensure members of the public are safe at the
airports which have designated areas for peaceful protest,” the company said in a statement.
All nine airports across ACSA’s national network will
continue to operate as normal and there is currently no indication that flights
or other services will be disrupted by the proposed national shutdown.
The security cluster comprising all national security
agencies and the ACSA Security and Operations Management team, has met and all
contingency plans are in place to ensure continued operations at all airports.
All agencies are on high alert and patrols will be in place to protect the
national key points.
“ACSA would like to assure all travellers that their flights or travel arrangements remain unchanged. The public is invited to
consult the ACSA Mobile App or directly contact their airline to confirm travel
arrangements or for any further updates and developments.”
