Protest does not give anyone the right to harass- President Ramaphosa issues a warning amidst South Africa protests.
It will be remembered as a day, Africans went to the streets to fight for themselves. Two countries in Africa are currently protesting the state of affairs and airing their grievances.
In South Africa, The government protests are currently being led by Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party.
However, President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a warning saying, the protests need to remain peaceful or the police will act.
He stated that the constitution allows protestors to peacefully and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions.
He however cautioned that no one has a right to destroy property or harm any person in that matter.
He stated,”It is well within the right of any person or organisation to call on fellow South Africans to freely join in acts of protest.”
“But we should be clear that the right to protest does not give anyone the right to harass, intimidate or threaten anyone else. It does not give anyone the right to damage property or cause harm to any person,” he added.
He added that in this regard, security measures have been put in place, to protect their citizens.
He stated,”In fulfilment of its constitutional responsibility to protect the rights of all people, government will always have measures in place to ensure that everyone who wants to go to work, travel for leisure and conduct business can do so in a safe and secure environment.”
EFF is demanding Ramaphosa’s resignation over mishandling of South Africa’s economy, electricity shortages and unemployment.
EFF leader Julius Malema stated,”No-one can stop a revolution. Ports, parliament, border crossings and the Johannesburg stock exchange, among others, will be targeted as key protesting points.”