David Maynier, Western Cape Minister Of Finance And Economic Opportunities said: As announced by Premier Alan Winde following an expanded provincial cabinet meeting yesterday (13 July 2021), the Western Cape Government, SAPS and other security services are working closely together to ensure law and order is maintained in the province and we are ready to respond to any potential public unrest in the Western Cape.
We welcome these combined efforts by government and security services, as well as community groups who are patrolling neighbourhoods and business districts to prevent any looting and unrest. SAPS and other law enforcement are closely liaising with shopping centres and have increased their visible policing of shopping centres and distribution warehouses at this time.
Businesses have been hard-hit and many jobs have already been lost as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and related restrictions. It is critical at this time that we do everything we can to ensure that they can continue operating so that we can save jobs and focus on rebuilding our economy in the Western Cape.
And so, we have been in direct contact with industry representatives such as the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa and business owners and we continue to monitor the situation closely.
I would like to reassure business owners in the Western Cape that we will do everything we can to prevent public unrest that will result in any unnecessary looting and damage to businesses and public property through active, visible policing and law enforcement efforts.
We call on all those who live in the Western Cape to remain calm and respect the rule of law. It is also important at this time that we all refrain from sharing fake news that may lead to unnecessary panic.
Businesses and members of the public can report concerns or emergencies to the following centres:
- City of Cape Town – 107 or 021 480 7700 and 080 911 4357
- West Coast – 022 433 8700
- Garden Route – 044 805 5071
- Central Karoo – 023 449 8000
- Cape Winelands – 021 886 9244 and 021 887 4446
