MEDIA STATEMENT

TO ALL MEDIA/NEWS EDITORS

25 February 2016

PRESIDENT ZUMA CONDEMNS INCIDENTS OF VIOLENCE AND

DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY
President Jacob Zuma has strongly condemned recent incidents of violence and the
destruction of property on several campuses of higher education including the North
West University, University of Free State, University of Pretoria, the University of
Cape Town as well as the torching of a Metrorail train in Pretoria.
The President has strongly appealed to protestors to act with utmost restraint and
express their grievances within the confines of the law and our Constitution.
The burning of university buildings at a time when we are prioritising the education
of our youth is inexplicable and can never be condoned. No amount of anger should
drive students to burn their own university and deny themselves and others
education. Grievances should be handled in a peaceful manner. The Constitution of
the Republic states that everyone has the right, peacefully and unarmed, to
assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions. Protestors
should adhere to the Constitution when undertaking protest action, said the
President.
President Zuma has also condemned the attacks on train drivers that has been
reported by Metrorail. The drivers must be left alone to do their work unhindered. If
trains arrive late, people should report the matter to the correct channels. The
torching of trains and destruction of facilities is completely unacceptable and is a
serious criminal act," said President Zuma.
The President has directed the university authorities to attend to the grievances of
students. Government will also play its role.
President Zuma has directed the law enforcement agencies to work around the
clock and not rest until those who engage in criminal activity are brought to book.
Issued by the Presidency