PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma says he is concerned by the scourge of violent protests that have resulted in public property being damaged. This comes after some 26 schools were left damaged in the Vuwani area, in Limpopo, when residents protested against the Municipal Demarcation Board’s decision to incorporate Vuwani into a new municipality. Eleven schools were completely burnt down and the remaining 15 were partially burnt and damaged.
“Our government is concerned about this scourge of widespread incidents of violence and destruction of public property during protests. We have condemned the recent burning of schools and other facilities in Vuwani in Limpopo, the violence on university campuses and also during other protests,” he said.
The President said such actions do not belong in the democratic society where people are able to engage government and also where freedom of expression is guaranteed in the Constitution.
He added in instances where criminal elements take advantage of community concerns and engage in violence, law enforcement agencies have been directed to act swiftly to bring them to justice.
“We cannot allow people to undermine the good progress we are making in building infrastructure that improves the lives of our people.”