ANC calls for calm and order in protest

ANC Western Cape leader Marius Fransman denounced the looting and hurting of bystanders in the chaotic service delivery protest by mostly Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) supporters at the office of premier Helen Zille against the DA provincial government.

The ANC called on the authorities to immediately step in and bring the situation under control.

The ANC holds the view that demonstrations must always be within democratically acceptable rules and that no one may steal from or hurt other people.

The ANC therefore outright rejects the conduct of many of the protestors and calls on all people to restore order or to remain calm in order for the authorities to do their job to bring the criminal elements to book.

The ANC has understanding for the dire situation in which many poor people find themselves, but do not accept illegal actions of lawlessness.

The biggest problem is pockets of EFF sympathisers that are mostly leaderless in the Western Cape. The ANC calls on all youth to remain disciplined and not be dragged into anarchy by a few people with red berets.

Statement issued by ANC Western Cape leader Marius Fransman, October 30 2013

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