ANC condemns arson attacks on schools in Vuwani, Limpopo

5 May 2016

The African National Congress condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent protests in Vuwani, Limpopo Province.

Residents of Vuwani are reportedly protesting against a decision by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) to incorporate the area under a newly merged municipality.

Whilst the ANC reaffirms the right of all South Africans to legitimate and peaceful protest, no amount of legitimate grievance or disaffection warrants the destruction of public or private property.

In the year that the country marks 20 years since the Constitution was signed into law by the late former President Nelson Mandela, the burning of schools - (thereby forcing thousands of pupils to abandon their studies) is an insult to the democracy so many fought for, and others paid for with their lives. The destruction of public property, including schools, clinics and libraries, takes back the government's service delivery programme significantly and should be condemned. The ANC calls on the law enforcement authorities to urgently investigate and prosecute those found guilty of this vandalism that only serves to delegitimize the protests and harms communities.

The ANC welcomes the establishment of a provincial task team to look into the issues in Vuwani.

Issued by Zizi Kodwa, National Spokesperson, ANC, 5 May 2016