Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has appealed for calm.
Speaking on CapeTalk, he said there have been several requests for marches, including at the parliamentary precinct, Gugulethu, Thembalethu and Beaufort West.
“There’s actually a march called for in Hermanus, but my message that I’ve just got from a mediator is now that perhaps that march is not going to take place.”
He said the Joint Operations Command is in place. This includes the police, traffic officials and South African National Defence Force soldiers who were deployed as part of Operation Prosper.
Winde stressed that protesters are not allowed to carry weapons.
“So, the police are really strict and strong with that. In the week, there were some people with some knopkieries and sticks in the Hermanus region, and they weren’t able to even leave the sports ground where they gathered until they’d actually discarded them.”
Winde said masks would also not be allowed.
“So, you can’t be there with a mask on, hiding your face. It needs to be visible. And then stick to the route.”
He said they will look at areas that could be hotspots and will message them via radio stations, news broadcasts, and social media platforms.
“We’ll do that, you know, as and when necessary. So, people just be vigilant. And then, of course, you know, they can also contact the local city or province call centres if they notice anything.”
Winde noted that we have a vibrant constitutional democracy, and people can have their voices heard. “You know, so that’s what it’s about. Have your voice heard, but don’t take anybody else’s rights away while this is happening. And, you know, therefore, let’s do it calmly and respectfully.”
Vicky Stark
www.ewn.co.za