We have noted the actions of individuals masquerading as MKMVA Greater Johannesburg Branch, who attempted to lay bogus charges against the Minister of Transport for vandalism of PRASA assets. It is a sad day that individuals who claim to be members of our movement’s Veterans’ Association, would behave in a manner that not only validates the actions of criminals that continue to steal and destroy public assets, but waste state resources that should be directed at investigating these criminals.
We are convinced that these benefactors of state capture use the name of the MKMVA in vain to camouflage their true intent and lend credibility to their attempts to protect the true criminals stealing and vandalising public assets in our railways. Disciplined members of the ANC and its structures understand that as society, we are all enjoined in playing our part towards the realisation of a better life for our people. This responsibility starts by adopting an activist role in protecting and preserving public assets.
It is clear that these shenanigans are orchestrated by individuals who are beneficiaries of the days gone by of state capture, who now seek relevance through insurrectionary rhetoric, now that the taps are closed. Our people will not be hoodwinked into believing that our actions to salvage PRASA are anything less than in the best interest of the country.
This attention-seeking grand posturing does nothing for our efforts to fight criminality and restore a safe and reliable commuter rail system, able to service the needs of South Africans who rely on this mode of transport. Their energy could be better utilised in working closely with us and law enforcement authorities to expose these criminals and their networks in the communities they live in.
Accusing the Minister of Transport of criminal culpability in the theft and vandalism of rail infrastructure is at best ludicrous and at worst malicious.
We are mindful that security challenges at PRASA loom large, and efforts to preserve and protect safety critical infrastructure is impacted on by the rampant theft and vandalism. We have been hard at work putting in place a robust security plan for PRASA, working closely with all law enforcement authorities in the country. We will be making pronouncements soon on these plans.
We call on our communities and all organs of civil society to join us in waging the war against criminality by playing an active role in protecting public assets and assist authorities to find and arrest those that continue to behave in a manner that puts the lives and livelihoods of our commuters at risk.
Issued by:
Fikile Mbalula
MINISTER OF TRANSPORT