Deputy Speaker, the DA is extremely concerned about the violent protests that are taking place in many municipalities across Mpumalanga. The DA has repeatedly raised issues concerning poor service delivery, fraud, corruption and nepotism with the ANC-led government at provincial and national levels ...
... kodwa kufana nokukhuluma nobonda ... [... it is like talking to a brick wall ...]
The DA understands and sympathises with the communities frustration and supports peaceful protest action, but we condemn violence, vandalism, destruction of property, intimidation and loss of life.
While service delivery and corruption are the main issues raised at these marches, the ANC's internal fights cannot be ruled out. Neglecting the issues at hand due to these struggles may contribute to the unrest. The struggle for power among the tripartite alliance partners is spilling over and causing serious problems for our citizens.
The Zuma and Mbeki camps still exist. [Interjections.] At local level the municipalities are in the hands of the Mbeki camp, while the Zuma camp is at grass-roots level. They don't understand why they should wait for 2011 to take power if Zuma is already the President. There are separate elections and the members need to understand this.
The President must act now and stop being silent on issues that need immediate attention. He needs to visit those areas affected by violent protest and speak to the people. The message to the people should be simple: Violent protest is not a solution to the problem; swapping ANC councillors now is not a solution; wait for 2011 and use your power to make a cross on the ballot paper to vote for a party that will deliver to the community. I thank you. [Applause.]