President Zuma calls for calm and restraint on campuses across South Africa
29 September 2016
President Jacob Zuma has called for calm and restraint at all higher education institution campuses in the country.
The President is seriously disturbed by the violence in some campuses.
President Zuma has reiterated that all citizens have the right, peacefully and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions. Protestors should at all times adhere to the Constitution when undertaking protest action.
"We urge the students to exercise this right in a responsible manner. They must respect law enforcement officers. They must also respect the rights of others who are not taking part in the protests. We have also directed members of the South African Police Service to act strictly within the confines of the law and the Constitution as they discharge their duties of ensuring the safety and security of all as well as protecting lives and property," said President Zuma.