BLOCKADES OF ROADS
Issued by: The Minister of Transport
12 SEPTEMBER 1995
The Ministerial Conference of Ministers of Transport (MINCOM) reaffirmed its position today at a national workshop in Mmabatho that it will not enter into discussion nor negotiate with any party while a road blockade is in place.
MINCOM calls upon all other parties to do the same. It is of the view that to resort to blockades of roads is an abuse of the right to protest. In this context, the following contingencies will be immediately observed by Government when a road blockade is encountered, regardless of who is responsible, or what issues or demands are raised:
1. No negotiations while a blockade is in place. 2. SA Police Services to immediately remove the blockade. 3. Responsible persons or groups to be arrested and/or prosecuted. 4. Law enforcement agencies will do whatever is necessary to keep the affected area free of obstructions.
This forum supports the right to collective bargaining by workers and other groups with their respective employers or authorities. However, this right should not interfere with the rights of other South Africans, nor inconvenience the road using public. We will not tolerate blockades anywhere on public roads. Our roads cannot be used as an arena for settling disputes.
We have therefore agreed that the SA Police Services will be requested to observe the above course of actions without undue influence from any other party.
This course of action enjoys the full support of the Minister of Transport, Mr Mac Maharaj, as well as that of the MECs for Transport of all nine Provinces.
Issued by Elsa Kruger, Ministerial Liaison Officer Tel 021 45-7260