Pretoria – Government has called on marchers, who are participating in rallies in Pretoria, to respect the rule of law and the Constitution.
Government made the call as members of the public, including civic organisations and some political parties, take part in marches currently underway in the Pretoria city centre.
Acting Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Director General Donald Liphoko said South Africa is an open society and democracy creates space for and encourages an active citizenry, as envisioned in the National Development Plan.
“The various voices and actions are reflective of a democratic and progressive society. Citizens have the right to march and voice their opinion, however, it must be done peacefully.
“No person should be coerced against their will. It is the responsibility of each citizen to play their part in protecting our hard-earned democracy,” said Liphoko.
Liphoko said while every person has the right to protest as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic, government encourages all people of South Africa to protest within the confines of the law, and not destroy or damage property or infrastructure during their actions.
He said government remains operationally ready to police all planned protest actions to ensure that they remain peaceful, and to safeguard property and ensure the democratic rights of others are not infringed in the process.
“We have noted with serious concern utterances attributed to some political leaders to occupy the city centre of Tshwane and such actions do nothing but detract from the legitimate and democratic practices of participatory and open democracy,” Liphoko said.
He encouraged citizens to continue partnering with government to resolve issues and work together to achieve Vision 2030.
“By working together, we move South Africa forward.” – SAnews.gov.za
