Condolences for Tshepang Nyathi

Government has expressed its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Tshepang Nyathi, who was tragically killed during a Spring Day celebration.

While the South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested the alleged suspect, the government said the safety and protection of children is paramount, with parents, caregivers, schools and communities sharing a responsibility to ensure that children can enjoy these celebrations in safe, supervised and respectful environments.

Government further added that it has also noted reports and social media posts highlighting other incidents during Spring Day celebrations, including delivery vehicle drivers reportedly falling off their vehicles while attempting to avoid water being thrown at them, as well as reports of violent and criminal behaviour, including stone-throwing at a bus and attempts to steal from delivery vehicles.

“While the tradition of celebrating Spring Day with water is enjoyed by children, the recent incidents highlight the need for it to evolve into ways that are safer, more responsible and respectful to others. Splashing strangers, disrupting traffic, targeting motorists, and escalating minor disagreements into violence have no place in our celebrations,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said in a statement on Thursday.

In addition, the public is also being reminded that South Africa is a water-scarce country, and every person must practice responsible water use, conserve the scarce resource, protect the environment, and ensure sustainable access for everyone.

“Government calls on all South Africans to ensure their celebrations are in organised and voluntary spaces, respect the dignity and consent of others, avoid behaviour that endangers others, and choose water-wise ways to celebrate Spring.” 

The GCIS said September is a significant month in the national calendar, as the country celebrates Heritage Month and Tourism Month. 

“As we celebrate our diverse heritage and welcome visitors to experience the beauty of our country, let us use this period to strengthen social cohesion and demonstrate the values that define us as a nation, such as respect, responsibility and care for one another.

Let us celebrate Spring in a way that protects children, respects communities, conserves water resources and reflects the South Africa we want to build,” it said. -SAnews.gov.za

 

Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.