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.

President Zuma has extended his deepest condolences to the family of Mr Celumusa Ntuli, the Wits University worker who tragically died this week.

The President has reaffirmed the commitment of government to support access to education for all including the children of the poor and the working class and has urged university management, parents, students and all stakeholders in communities to work with government to find solutions peacefully and constructively. 

Issued by Bongani Ngqulunga on behalf of The Presidency, 29 September 2016