Article by: Dumisane Dube
The African National Congress (ANC) has called for calm and stability amid the violent #FreeJacobZuma and #KZNShutdown protests.
According to police more than 60 suspects were arrested in Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal since the violent protests began.
“As the ANC we are concerned. We do not believe that economic blockages, coming out to the streets, looting of shops, destruction of property, represent a fair way of dealing with the crisis. We think they must use legitimate platforms to register their concerns. We are a democratic country. There are many other platforms that could be utilized to do this. All we want is peace in the land,” says ANC spokesperson, Pule Mabe.
According to ANC the destruction of property and infrastructure and looting accompany these violent protests must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.
“The ANC recognizes and respects the rights of every South African to protest peacefully and unarmed and freely to express their views on any matter of concern. However, in exercising their constitutional rights, citizens must respect the rights of others and refrain from breaking the law or using violence,” added Mabe.
Meanwhile the Democratic Alliance (DA) says the protests are part of the ANC power battle.
DA leader, John Steenhuisen said Ramaphosa must match his strong words with strong actions against the perpetrators.
“We are a law and rules-based society. We cannot go into a free-fall as we have seen all over the country. The president must also acknowledge that this is an ANC battle that has spilled onto the streets of SA,” he added.
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