| | Green light for Peace Forum 
Present at the second meeting of the Peace Forum in Richards Bay on Monday were Senior Superintendent Danie Calitz, ZCBF Chairperson - Alec Bozas, Mduduzi Zulu, Sipho Zibani, Inspector Mnguni, Nhlanhla Mkhize, Superintendent Mazibuko, Chris Mkhize, Msizi Mthembu and L Kowlas Ronelle Ramsamy WITH the 2010 soccer showpiece around the corner and the next general election in South Africa looming, the need for the establishment of a local Peace Forum is paramount.
That was the general consensus at the second meeting of the Peace Forum in Richards Bay on Monday.
Branded as an apolitical organisation, tasked with playing an important mediation, facilitation and negotiation role, the initiative is being spearheaded by Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation Chairperson, Alec Bozas.
The objective of the forum is to put an end to violence of all types so that civil society can function properly. Adopting a proactive, rather than reactive stance, Bozas said the forum would be able to intervene in conflict situations.
'This initiative which was deemed to be a useful instrument of peace, was started in Zululand by Chamber stalwarts when there was taxi and bus violence and IFP/ANC clashes between 1990 and 1994.
'Deliverables were to ensure that the warring parties were identified and through skilful negotiation brought to the point of dialogue. Another aspect was to provide the SAPS with intelligence about rumours at grass root level so that they could investigate and assess threats of danger,' said Bozas.
CEO of the uThungulu Community Foundation, Chris Mkhize said the forum would play a relevant role, thereby adding value without imposing their will on other people.
'We are already making plans for 2010 and the soccer clinics next year. People in the bus and taxi industry will be affected. Not only must police calm riots, but as a group that doesn't clash with other structures, we can talk to the police, army, business and other parties from a neutral ground.
'There is a vacuum and need for this particular role. We are preparing for the unknown. This is definitely a step in the right direction,' added Mkhize.
Police also gave the thumbs up to the revival of the once successful initiative.
'This is definitely the right structure. We need people to come and negotiate and intervene in conflict situations. We, the police are sometimes seen as the enemy who want to arrest and harass them. Even the provincial departments will be relieved to see a neutral body intervening,' said Superintendent Mazibuko.
During the next few meetings, a committee will be elected to drive the initiative forward and to set up a database accessible to relevant parties. These would include, among others, chiefs, traditional authorities, taxi and bus organisations, industry, councillors, youth groups, emergency services, provincial and local government, religious organisations, BAC, CPF, SAPS, RTI, Farm Watch and other community groups. The Peace Forum is also looking at setting up a toll free number to report information early enough to put an end to potential conflict before it happens. | |
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