While calm has returned to KwaZulu-Natal following last month\u2019s civil unrest, concerted efforts are underway to resort peace and stability, says KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala.
\nIn the wake of last month\u2019s violent scenes, which claimed over 330 lives, the province and national government\u2019s security cluster marshalled in resources to restore stability.
\n\u201cIt is our priority to bring peace and stability,\u201d said Zikalala, while updating the public on the law enforcement and social cohesion interventions in Phoenix following the chaotic scenes of two weeks ago. Thirty-six people were killed in the township.
\nThe second priority, he said, was to provide relief and support to the process of rebuilding with \u201cimmediate but lasting effect\u201d.
\n\u201cWe are assessing the impact of civil unrest and compiling our comprehensive report to the National Disaster Management Centre,\u201d he said, adding that this would assist and support the provincial government submission for the declaration of the state of disaster.
\nWhile figures were not final, Zikalala said costs incurred in various provincial departments was about R2 billion and R34 million for municipalities.
\n\u201cThese figures are not final and are expected to grow as we consolidate our report. In line with what the minister said, ours in his regard is to ensure stability. That must be a program that is sustainable,\u201d he said on Tuesday.
\nHe emphasized the need to build harmony and coexistence among citizens, especially in the area of Phoenix and surroundings.
\nIn 2017, the provincial government hosted the Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration summit. Since then, a Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration Council, which includes prominent members of society, had been formed.
\nThe key objectives of this is to develop a comprehensive provincial strategy. The strategy, said Zikalala, would address feelings of marginalisation and exclusion based on race. It would also address the perception that foreign and other African nationals, are benefiting more than local citizens from the economy.
\nHe said that sustainable solutions are needed \u201cto bring about radical socio economic transformation to address socio economic inequalities that prevail\u201d.
\nRestoring trust
\nAlso speaking at the briefing, Police Minister Bheki Cele said while much ground had been covered on the security front in Phoenix, \u201ccrucial work\u201d to rebuild trust between communities is underway.
\nHe extended his appreciation to the work of the Peace Committee that was set up in the wake of the crimes.
\nThe forum consists of members of Bhambayi, Zwelisha, Umaoti, Inanda and Phoenix areas.
\nHe said: \u201cIt is these determined and committed women and men who raised their hands to be part of the solution, in the face of adversity.
\n\u201cThey stand together against the divisions sowed among the people of this area.\u201d
\nThe forum worked with the South African Police Service in facilitating the reporting of cases of missing persons.
\nThe Minister said the forum has been at the forefront of assisting bereaved families to identify the remains of their loved ones at the Phoenix government mortuary.
\n\u201cThis Peace Committee is playing a vital role in ensuring that the communities they represent are kept abreast with information at all times. This Peace Committee saw the light at a time when there was only darkness, despair and hopelessness.
\nTogether, they put aside their differences and worked towards the same goal. They have shown us the way forward,\u201d said the Minister. <\/p>\n
Source: South African Government News Agency<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"