By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday responded to the crisis in KwaZulu-Natal and called for protesters to remain calm and refrain from acts of violence.
Ramaphosa on Saturday commended the South African Police Force (SAPS) for their efforts to quell the violence perpetrated by ‘KZN Shutdown’ protesters in the province.
The president said the impact of public violence, especially against the road freight industry, “will be felt by the also by the people organising and committing these crimes”.
He said while the constitution protects a South African individual’s right to protest, “it cannot be abused to break the law or to destroy property and threaten livelihoods”.
“The reasons allegedly advanced for the violence in KwaZulu-Natal cannot be used to legitimise vandalism and public violence. […] Criminal elements must be met with the full might of the law”.
The statement follows after outrage by South African citizens over Ramaphosa’s silence on the matter.
Ramaphosa said he also endorses the call by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala for called for calm in the province. Zikalala on Saturday called on protesters to “avoid violence and destruction”.
Zikalala said the protests in the province resulted in many commuters not being able to reach their places of work. He called on residents who protest “to do so through peaceful means and avoid violence and destruction at all cost”.
“We are fully conscious of the anger of the community but unfortunately, violence and destruction often affects and attacks people who are not involved”, Zikalala said.
Ramaphosa on Saturday also broke his silence of former President Jacob Zuma’s arrest, telling an ANC national executive committee (NEC) that the event is a sad moment in the history of the movement.
He said the African National Congress (ANC) must act as, and be seen to be, the leader of society, adding if the leadership of the ANC is not respected, “we cannot say we lead society”.
Meanwhile spokesperson for the police Jay Naicker said the situation remained volatile, and more officers had been deployed along major routes in the province.