The practical commitment by political parties to free, fair and peaceful elections in KwaZulu-Natal is a clear indication of the great strides that the people of this province have made in entrenching stability and cementing lasting peace.
This was said by the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, following the signing of the pledge by various political parties in the province, committing themselves and their supporters to ensuring that the upcoming general elections will be free and fair and devoid of any illegal or violent incidents.
Various political parties from the province made the commitment in an event that was organised by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre this morning.
“We have made major strides in establishing peace and tolerance as a way of life in our province. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our democratic breakthrough, we commend the maturity displayed by various political parties through the signing of this pledge. Unlike most of our sister provinces, we know the brutality of political intolerance and the social devastation that this wreaks on our people. Therefore, this commitment by political parties is much more than just appending signatures to a pledge, but a solemn promise to our people that they will not allow the elections to take us back to the days of instability,” said the Premier.
Conservative estimates put to more than 20 000 the number of people who died as a result of internecine political violence in KwaZulu-Natal, from the late 1980s to way beyond the democratic moment in 1994.
It was through the efforts of all stakeholders, including political leaders; community members; religious leaders; amakhosi and non-governmental organisations that peace was finally achieved in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Following the attainment of peace, ours has been one of the best performing provinces in terms of service delivery and investment attraction, to mention but a few. This confirms the correctness of our long-held view that peace and development are inseparable and that one cannot be achieved in the absence of the other. Therefore, all of us have the responsibility to strive for peace, stability and tolerance, even beyond the elections so that our province can continue on its upward and forward growth trajectory,” concluded the Premier.
ENDS
For more information contact Head of Provincial Government Communication Bongi Gwala on 072 793 4757 or Joseph Cubai Acting Media Liaison Officer on 061 421 5853
Issued by Provincial Government