Members of the ANC, MKMVA and Amabutho escort former president Jacob Zuma at his Nkandla residence on July 03, 2021 in Nkandla. The former president was found guilty of contempt of court by the Constitutional Court and has been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment. Photo: Gallo Images/Tebogo Letsie
ANC calls for calm and stability in KZN amid #FreeJacobZuma protests
The ANC says it condemns the violent #FreeJacobZuma protests in KZN which are believed to be led by Zuma’s supporters over his incarceration.
Members of the ANC, MKMVA and Amabutho escort former president Jacob Zuma at his Nkandla residence on July 03, 2021 in Nkandla. The former president was found guilty of contempt of court by the Constitutional Court and has been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment. Photo: Gallo Images/Tebogo Letsie
The African National Congress (ANC) has called for calm and stability in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) amid the violent #FreeJacobZuma and #KZNShutdown protests dominating the province. Protestors even went as far as torching trucks in Mooi River near the N3 toll plaza.
Major and several roads were closed in KZN namely; the N2, N3 and M7 which is a strategic cargo transit from the Port of Durban towards the inland, including provincial and municipal links. Infrastructure was also destroyed during these protestors. Jacob Zuma supporters are believed and reportedly behind these protests.
ANC CALLS FOR STABILITY IN KZN
The #FreeJacobZuma and #KZNshutdown protests have topped social media trends lists since Friday morning. In a statement, the ANC said it is concerned by the ongoing violence that is gripping some parts of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
“The destruction of property and infrastructure and looting accompany these violent protests must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. The ANC recognises 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.
“In a constitutional democracy any matters of concern must be expressed through peaceful and legitimate channels. We are concerned that the destruction of property and impeding the functioning of the economy will undermine efforts to create jobs and improve the lives of citizens. The ANC has instructed the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of KwaZulu-Natal and NEC (National Executive Committee) deployees to KZN, to intervene immediately and engage our structures and all relevant stakeholders.
ANC spokesperson, Pule Mabe said bringing peace and stability to affected areas is a priority for the ANC and the democratic movement.
“The ANC urges law-enforcement agencies to act firmly and expeditiously, within the law, against any form of lawlessness, public violence, damage to property and disruption of economic activity and service delivery. We wish to commend the police for doing their best to deal with an extremely difficult and volatile situation.”
Police have been deployed in KZN and are on high alert.
