Swazi Observer

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PM CALLS FOR CALM IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT PROTESTS

By Wonderboy Dlamini | 2021-10-16

PRIME Minister Cleopas Sipho Dlamini has called upon the public transport industry to stop the violent protests as government will address their grievances. The premier was speaking during a media briefing at King Mswati III International Airport upon his return from the Expo 2020 Dubai in the United Arab Emirates where he represented His Majesty King Mswati III.

Dlamini and his delegation of ministers returned home yesterday afternoon. He highlighted that while at Dubai, he received reports about the ongoing protests by public transport workers, which has caused damaged to many businesses.

The prime minister said he noted that the public transport workers' grievances were mostly industrial issues between them and their employers. Nonetheless, the prime minister said government was already working on facilitating negotiations between the public transport workers and their employers in an effort to find amicable solutions. In the meantime, the prime minister warned against vandalism of property by protesters.

Dlamini said vandalising property and causing disturbance in the public space was unacceptable. Furthermore, the prime minister warned against the involvement of school children in violent protests. Dlamini said the school calendar was currently at a critical stage where pupils are expected to focus on their studies as they are preparing for their examinations.

He said the burning of schools and property would, therefore, have negative consequences on the learners. Dlamini said protesters must desist from recruiting pupils into the protest marches. He then assured that government will provide security to pupils who are continuing with their learning in various schools to ensure that they do so without being disturbed.

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