The government has commended members of the public and other formations that participated in Friday’s marches’ for exercising their Constitutional rights responsibly and conducting their activities peacefully.
In a statement Friday, the Government said “we also commend the security cluster for their visibility and maintaining order and stability, with minimal clashes reported. Behind the scenes, the government machinery prepared itself to ensure that services to the public remain uninterrupted and that the daily work of government to move South Africa in an upward trajectory continues”.
“Friday’s activities were a demonstration of a strengthened democracy where citizens are engaged in shaping the public discourse. Today’s actions demonstrated a maturing democracy which guarantees freedom of association, speech, and movement,” the GCIS statement said.
“However, in exercising these rights, we need to be mindful of doing so in a responsible manner without infringing on other people’s rights. South Africa has strong complimentary institutions in place, such as Parliament, our Judiciary and Chapter Nine Institutions which safeguard our Constitutional Rights. Our democracy is a system of rule by laws, not by the individuals.”
“These institutions exists to ensure that every individual is protected and enjoys the hard fought for freedom. As we celebrate freedom month let us remember where we come from as a country. Many lives were sacrificed so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today.”
“South Africa has made unparalleled gains since the advent of democracy and as a nation we have achieved a lot in such a small space of time, the government said.
