Trashing of Verulam, Tongaat and Ballito totally unacceptable

By Marimuthu Subramoney
(aka Subry Govender)

After the establishment of the Government of National Unity in May 1994, the newly-elected President, Nelson Mandela, when addressing the democratic parliament in Cape Town, implored all South Africans to work together to improve the lives of the disadvantaged majority.
This was his message: "The cornerstone of building a better life of opportunity, freedom and prosperity is the Reconstruction and Development Programme. This needs unity of purpose. It needs action. It requires us all to work together to bring an end to division, an end to suspicion and build a nation united in our diversity."
He also said: "We speak as fellow citizens to heal the wounds of the past with the intent of constructing a new order based on justice for all. This is the challenge that faces all South Africans today, and it is one to which I am certain we will all rise."
This message was clear. All South Africans - including multi-national corporations, business enterprises, other employers and trade union organisations - were exhorted to work in unison to create the proper climate for reconstruction and development.
But, unfortunately, since the departure of Mandela in 1999, some of the forces, who considered themselves to be part of the liberation struggle, have displayed total disregard for reconstruction, development, and the general welfare of society.
This was clearly demonstrated this past week when trade union members affiliated to the South African Municipal Workers Union(SAMWU) trashed the main streets in Verulam, Tongaat,Ballito, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Cape Town and other areas.
In Verulam and Tongaat, the strikers toppled bins, splattered litter all over the streets and even roughed up street vendors. They had no regard for the ratepayers, shoppers and other workers. While they were busy trashing the streets, the Police followed them without taking any action to arrest the culprits and to bring them to justice.
One of the businessmen in Verulam asked: "Why trash our streets? We are a disadvantaged area and the action of the strikers is only further retarding our development."
He questioned the non-action by the police. "If we throw something in front of our shops we are given tickets by Metro officials. So why did the police and the Metro officials not act against those who showed total disregard for law and order?"
The businessman is correct. It seems the powers that be are sending a message that no action can be taken against the lawless who threaten, assault and trash the streets. They will only act against the "soft targets" - those who are law-abiding and pay their rates and taxes without fail.
Towns like Verulam and Tongaat are not first world cities. Trade union members, of all people, should realise this and should not be directing their anger in towns where people are struggling to make ends meet. Destruction of resources will only further delay the new government's stated aim to upgrade the lives of the disadvantaged majority.
There's no doubt whatsoever that the municipal workers deserve a living wage and they should agitate for this in an effective way - not by trashing the streets and behaving like hooligans. Ratepayers and taxpayers cannot be treated as if they don't matter as was demonstrated in Verulam and Tongaat this past week. The ratepayers of these towns have had enough of the degeneration of their areas.
What message are the strikers sending to the ratepayers and residents of Verulam, Tongaat and Ballito? - Subry Govender, Chief Editor