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The IFP is concerned about what is perceived to be a well-orchestrated campaign by the so-called business forums of destabilising the KZN ’s economy which scares off investors and contributes immensely to job losses.

This comes after the equipment worth millions of rands belonging to a Bergville cement company, BergMix was allegedly set alight by a local business forum which demanded to take over 30 % of the company’s business shares.

The economy is still bleeding after the incidents of the burning of trucks which occurred in recent months which affected our economy severely in this province, yet again another company has been destroyed. This is nothing more than a recipe for disaster and it must be stopped.

The IFP would like to state it categorically clear that it is not against the empowerment of SMMEs but it doesn’t condone any form of vandalism, destruction of property and looting. We understand that our people have many issues they are concerned about. Therefore, we urge our communities that whatever their issues may be, they should not vent their anger and frustration in a destructive manner. The looting, vandalism and destruction of property will result in companies closing down their businesses and as a result many people will lose their jobs. We cannot continue down this path.

We believe harsher punishment should be meted out to those that destroy property and those who are involve in looting. The burning of infrastructure has become fashionable as some people think that a protest is not a protest if there is no looting and destruction of property. If people are not happy with government’s delivery of basic services, they must be patriotic and not damage public property. We urge concerned residents to table their concerns through appropriate channels so that they can be addressed amicably without resorting to violence.

We urge the KZN Provincial Government in particular the Office of the Premier and the KZN Department of Economic Development to assure investors that KwaZulu-Natal is a safe place to invest in. They must be at the forefront in condemning such incidents of burning down of businesses that create jobs and contribute to the economy of the Province.

The IFP calls upon the law enforcement agencies to ensure those are involved in the destruction of property and looting are brought to book.

Issued by IFP