The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in KwaZulu-Natal has been prevented from carrying out its planned shutdown against DA KZN premier candidate Chris Pappas in the uMngeni municipality after an urgent court interdict was obtained to halt the protest.
The interdict was granted by the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Sunday, effectively stopping the shutdown that was scheduled for Monday.
The shutdown was prompted by allegations made by former DA KZN leader Sizwe Mchunu, who lodged a complaint with the public protector’s office. Mchunu claimed that a tourism contract was awarded to Pappas’s fiancé, Jean-Pierre Prinsloo.
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Mchunu further alleged that Prinsloo had left his job as a counselor at the eThekwini municipality and relocated to uMngeni in order to be closer to his fiancé.
Upon arrival, he was appointed as the chairperson of uMngeni Tourism, an entity that receives more funding from the municipality compared to others. As a result, the ANCYL demanded the immediate resignation and arrest of Pappas and called for a shutdown in the municipality.
Pappas vehemently denied the allegations, stating that Prinsloo was appointed before he became uMngeni mayor.
He viewed the claims as part of a smear campaign orchestrated by the ANC, which coincidentally surfaced after his announcement that he was vying for the position of premier in the province.
In an effort to safeguard property and lives, Pappas took the ANCYL to court, arguing that the provisions of the Gatherings Act had not been followed and that there was evidence of a potential threat of violence and chaos.
Responding to the court interdict, the uMngeni municipality expressed concern over the financial burden placed on ratepayers and residents due to the ANCYL’s disregard for the law.
The municipality stated that it had no opposition to lawful protests or demonstrations, but stressed the importance of adhering to due process to protect the rights of both protesters and non-protesters. The court awarded a cost order against the ANCYL.
Pappas assured that the municipality would remain vigilant and utilize all available law enforcement mechanisms should the ANCYL persist with their unlawful activities.
He emphasized that the uMngeni municipality recognized the right to peaceful assembly and expression as fundamental pillars of democracy. However, the ANCYL was interdicted from shutting down schools, retail stores, businesses, trade, and public roads.
Despite the setback, the ANCYL KZN remains undeterred and plans to hold a peaceful march to demand justice and accountability.
The youth structure criticized Pappas for evading peaceful protesters exercising their democratic rights, and called for his resignation, citing a disconnect between democratic principles and the people he is meant to serve.
The ANCYL KZN rejected the intimidation tactics and threats of legal action, which they likened to apartheid tactics.
They affirmed their commitment to peaceful demonstrations and emphasized the importance of recognizing the right to protest. The structure concluded by announcing their intention to hold a march on Wednesday.
