Ramaphosa vows to end chaos

President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly condemned the violence and looting that swept across much of KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng today (July 12).

The protests, which began after former president Jacob Zuma handed himself in to begin serving his 15-month jail term for contempt of court, have grown in momentum, and appear to have been hijacked by a more criminal element, with many using the opportunity to loot stores.

The South African National Defence Force was deployed in the two provinces today, in an attempt to gain control of the situation. “Each of us, no matter our position or our circumstances, has an interest in maintaining and upholding the rule of law. It is, therefore, a matter of vital importance that we restore calm and stability to all parts of the country without delay,” said Ramaphosa.

“The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure – known as NatJoints – has intensified deployments in all the affected areas in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The South African Police Service is putting measures in place to call up operational members from leave and rest days to increase the presence of law enforcement personnel on the ground.

“NatJoints is receiving support from the Intelligence Coordinating Committee, comprising of SAPS Crime Intelligence, Defence Intelligence and State Security. In addition to greater visibility and an intelligence-driven presence in potential hotspots, we will be prioritising the prosecution of suspects alleged to be involved in this
violence.”

Ramaphosa confirmed that government has met with Business Unity South Africa, and developed a plan of action to ensure a coordinated response in restoring supply chains damaged by the violence. “We have agreed to work together to ensure the safety of drivers, cashiers, patients and customers. We have agreed to share
information and resources to ensure that we restore key supply chains.”

The president warned against the sharing of unconfirmed information on social media, which could elevate tensions and fears across the nation. He also warned that those caught participating in criminal activities would face the full might of the law.

President Ramaphosa was firm in his condemnation of the situation, stating that the violence has caused a further backlog to healthcare in the country. According to Ramaphosa, some medical staff were afraid to come to work today, while a number of Covid-19 vaccination sites were forced to close. The country is struggling through the third wave of the pandemic, and further delays to the vaccination drive could cost
countless lives.

He said the country is witnessing ‘opportunistic acts of criminality, with groups of people instigating chaos merely as a cover for looting and theft’.

He added that South Africa will not be beaten by the violence. “We will not be deterred, as South Africans, from the task ahead of us. We are faced, as we have been faced many times before, with a moment of great challenge and great promise.

“Let us choose the path of peace and renewal. Let us stand firm and emerge stronger. Together, we will defeat those who seek to destabilise our country, who seek to reverse the gains we have made. We will stand as one people, united against violence, unanimous in our commitment to peace and to the rule of law.”