Zero tolerance toward the destruction of property, violence and the intimidation, says Zuma

By Ofentse Mokae
20 October 2009

President Jacob Zuma says government will NOT tolerate the destruction of property, the violence and the intimidation that often accompanies protests.

This is in light with the violent service delivery protests that have marred the country recent months.

Zuma said there is no cause in a democratic and free society, however legitimate, that justifies the wanton destruction of property and violence that the country have witnessed.

He said this during his opening address during his meeting with local government officials at Khayelitsha, Cape Town, earlier on.

Zuma said South Africa has a proud history of protest against wrong-doing and injustice.

“There is no institution or individual that our people cannot stand up to and challenge if they think an injustice has been committed, this is who we are, this is our heritage, it is what makes South Africa the vibrant democracy it is today, and will continue to be in the future,” Zuma set.

The meeting is attended by eleven national ministers, nine Premiers and all the nine MECs responsible for local government, as well as the South African Local
Government Association.

In a media statement government spokesperson Themba Maseko says the meeting highlights government's determination to improve local government capacity.

“It forms part of government's commitment to search for solutions to these challenges, building on progress made over the past few years, but acknowledging that a lot more still needs to be done,” Maseko said

After the meeting Zuma is expected to address members of the media at the noon today.