The Democratic Alliance will demand official inquiries and accountability from both the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality and the MEC for Police, Roads and Transport in the Free State, Mr Sam Mashinini, regarding the failure to establish a Joint Operations Centre prior to the very large event of the Nazareth Baptist Church at the Platberg Reserve in Harrismith over the weekend. In terms of Section 4 of the Gatherings Act, the Municipality must authorise any large event to be held within the municipal area, and must establish a Joint Operations Centre which must include SAPS, Traffic departments, Emergency services, Disaster Management and local authorities to draw up detailed logistical plans for the event.
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims started arriving in Harrismith on Friday 6 September, blocking the N3 and all roads in the area.
Eventually all streets in Harrismith were completely gridlocked with buses and taxis from all over South Africa. When it became clear that all these vehicles would not be able to get into the reserve, event-goers started parking in the residential areas, and putting up tents on sidewalks and lawns.
When DA councillors started enquiring about arrangements for ablution facilities, accommodation and water for the thousands of people camping in the streets, SAPS denied any knowledge of the event. Similarly, traffic officials and N3TC were equally surprised by the huge traffic volume and senior municipal officials also had no knowledge of the event.
The DA insisted that water tankers immediately be deployed, and that portable toilets be brought in, which did eventually happen.
Upon further enquiry it appears that a municipal unit manager in Harrismith had been aware of the event because he had arranged for some grass cutting and road grading in the reserve. There are now also questions concerning fees paid by the event organisers to the municipal officials. This unit manager failed to inform his seniors about the enormous number of people expected in the small town, and failed to comply with the necessary legislation. The Section 4 meeting was never held, nor the Joint Operations Centre activated.
This is just another example of the total failure of governance in the ANC managed Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality.
The Democratic Alliance expresses sincere thanks to the local community which endured the severe disruptions and frustration without incident. The visitors, who despite their own frustrations at the total disorganisation, remained peaceful and respectful of the residents. We are also very grateful that the weekend passed with no major emergency or disaster, which could very easily have been different in an area known for its fires, and with the Municipality having not one functional fire engine.
It is outrageous that this situation was allowed to develop by the officials responsible for the health and safety of residents and visitors alike. We will certainly be seeking answers and accountability for this complete and utter failure to abide by the laws intended to guide planning and arrangements for large events to ensure the safety of all concerned. Criminal charges will be considered after the requested inquiries, or should such inquiries not take place.
The Democratic Alliance will request both the Municipality and the MEC for Police, Roads and Transport – Mr Sam Mashinini to carry out official inquiries.