Speaker, government supports and respects the right of people to express themselves through peaceful means, whether these be mass protests, marches, pickets, or any form of peaceful demonstration. Our Constitution and other laws of the land promote active citizenship by providing opportunities for people to participate in policy development and other matters that concern their lives.
At the same time, those engaging in mass demonstration have a duty and responsibility to ensure that their action is peaceful and does not result in the violation of the rights of those who may choose not to be part of the action, or who may hold different views. It is of concern to us if violence is becoming normalised to the extent that it is considered to be a viable and legitimate way of resolving problems and asserting or protecting one's interests.
Our efforts are aimed at strengthening our capacity as a nation to live, work and develop together. This can be achieved through improving individual attitudes and actions, based on respect for the rule of law and shared values, and a commitment to a strong social fabric. I thank you for your attention.