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The Inkatha Freedom Party today said that while it supports the right
of striking municipal workers to march and demonstrate - they must do
this responsibly, acting within the law.

As municipal workers took their strike back to the streets for a
second time today, the IFP said that it was concerned after the first
day of the municipal workers strike turned violent.

"We know that the rioters might have very valid concerns, but their
behaviour must not be condoned. Resorting to violence will not solve
their wage dispute and we therefore call on union leaders to
discipline their members and to resolve this dispute as a matter of
urgency," said IFP spokesperson Bonginkosi Dhlamini MP.

Dhlamini said that South Africa's Constitution guaranteed the striking
workers the right to protest, but only if it is done in a peaceful
manner.

"The right to protest is fundamental to a democratic society but we
remind the rioters that our constitution guarantees them the right to
protest peacefully, and that it does not afford them the right to
resort to violence while doing so. The IFP therefore calls on the
police to act decisively against those who vandalise and damage
property," said Dhlamini.

Dhlamini said that the strikes come at a time when South Africa is
desperately trying to find new hope and a new image.

"We are often portrayed by international commentators as a lawless
Nation, but as we head closer to the 2010 World Cup we have made great
strides in winning the war against the negative perceptions of our
country. The IFP contends however, that the latest violent protests
have the potential to undo any progress we have made so far in
rectifying our international image of a country where violence has
become the norm, rather than the exception," said Dhlamini.

Lastly, Dhlamini has welcomed SAMWU President Petrus Mashishi comments
today, denouncing the violence and calling for restraint from SAMWU's
members. "The IFP welcomes Mashishi's call and we urge other union
leaders to follow his example," concluded Dhlamini.