Veterans of the uMkhonto weSizwe Liberation War (MKLWV) have distanced themselves from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) 20 March national killing, saying the protest was an act of desperation.
Dan Hatto, MKLWV national convener, said the organisation’s point of view on the closure was the defense of democratic rights won for all South Africans.
Defend SA
He said his mission was to defend the rights of all citizens of the country and to distance himself from the planned national shutdown.
“MKLWV will definitely not participate in the planned shutdown. Anything that shows the involvement of MK members is a misunderstanding of what the organization is and what MK is. It is not true and must be strongly condemned,” Hatto said in a statement.
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In the shutdown, he said when they recognized the right to peaceful march, protest and strike; they condemn any attempt to destabilize democracy through any violence, provocation, lack of discipline and intolerance.
Lawlessness
“We are fighting hard for this democracy to be destroyed by lawlessness. We also condemn any opportunistic attempt to exploit the country’s challenges for wrong reasons, especially for individual benefits,” said Hatto.
He said he had noted with concern and dismay the opportunistic act aimed at hijacking and hijacking one of the most important days in South Africa’s history, Human Rights Day.
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The Sharpeville massacre will remain a national Human Rights Day, Hatto said, and its memory cannot be erased from people’s minds, nor can it be replaced by frivolous actions and cheap political posturing.
Act of desperation
“This is definitely a desperate act and cannot be tolerated or repeat Sharpeville, because of political immaturity, political intolerance and violence. We are guaranteed by law enforcement institutions that they will deal with anarchists and illegal actions,” said Hatto.
He said that the peaceful South African community that is part of MKLWV, refused to choose to be part of hooliganism, thuggery and spontaneous mob psychology.
“Defective tendencies and irrational choices cannot be allowed to affect the entire country. This strong view is also supported by court orders and statements against the protest,” added Hatto.
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