Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma says government will next year implement various initiatives to prevent and discourage protesters from routinely resorting to arson, vandalism and violence during protest actions.
In a written reply to Parliamentary questions on Wednesday, the President said these initiatives include educating society about the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
“This education campaign about rights and responsibilities of citizenship is important, considering that next year will be the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the Republic by former President Nelson Mandela. It will also be the 40th anniversary of 16 June 1976 student uprisings,” said President Zuma.
He said studies show that violence in South African society affects mostly women and children.
Government will use 2016, which is also the 60th anniversary of the Women’s March to the Union Buildings, to mobilise society against violence that is committed against women and children.
The President said other measures will be announced in due course.
“The widespread incidents of violence and destruction of property during protests is a cause for major concern. I have spoken about this matter many times on public platforms,” he said.
The violence in society is inherited from the violence perpetrated during the apartheid system and the violent response it engendered.
“There are studies that have been undertaken to understand factors that contribute to a culture of violence in our society. Some of the studies have been undertaken by organisations outside government.
“Others have been commissioned by government itself. For instance, a few years ago the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster contracted the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation to undertake research on the violent nature of crime in South Africa,” he said.
The President said it is important to take steps to turn the tide against violent protests and the destruction of property. - SAnews.gov.za
