Stop violent strikes – King Zwelithini
‘If you carry on like this, you are going to face big problems relating to unemployment'
KING Goodwill Zwelithini has issued a stern warning about the consequences of ongoing violent strikes, which he says have the potential of leading to huge levels of unemployment.
Addressing the uThungulu Community Foundation’s annual general meeting and grant issuing ceremony at the Flamingo Hall at ZCBF in Richards Bay on Thursday, Zwelithini said problems in the workplace can never be solved through the destruction of property.
‘Going on strikes, burning tyres, trains and buses and damaging police vehicles meant to protect you are counterproductive.’
He made reference to the violent strike at Transnet Port Terminals in May, during which 13 people were arrested and charged with public violence after two police vans were capsized, and port boom gates, water meters and guard rails destroyed.
‘If you carry on like this, you are going to face big problems relating to unemployment.
‘Neighbouring countries in the SADC region are just waiting. If we negatively impact production when we go on strike, let me tell you, you are cutting your own throats.
‘Remember this country is also competing with European countries,’ he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Amakhosi following a closed sitting, Inkosi Bonginkosi Mthembu also warned against chasing away companies that provide employment.
‘Being in our area, the companies are part of us. We have a duty to protect them.
‘The manner in which we are striking, burning and destroying things, we face the risk of these companies relocating to other areas or even other countries where there are no strikes.
‘As Amakhosi, we know the sorrow that will follow if these companies had to leave our area. We will be left hungry,’ Mthembu said.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Richards Bay Port protest: Shots fired by SAPS – public warned to ‘stay away’
Self reliance
King Zwelithini also spoke out against the heavy reliance on government grants and encouraged people to learn to do things for themselves.
‘There are countries that have suffered because they thought freedom would by itself eliminate poverty and they would get things for nothing. Don’t be bribed by the grant that is given to your children,’ he said.
He further called on communities to unite against social ills plaguing society, including drug and alcohol abuse, and violence against women and children.
‘Young people are currently facing serious challenges of drug abuse, leading to various types of criminal activities.
Let’s not hide the truth, drugs are targeted at our children.
‘For us to succeed in addressing all these challenges, we need to unite. We need unity of purpose. Without it we have no vision, which will be to the detriment to our nation.
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