EFF must act swiftly and denounce "bomb threat" leader’s incitement of violence

28 February 2016

For the second time in a week the DA calls on the leadership of the EFF to exert control over its youth structures in preventing the incitement of violence on campuses. It simply cannot be tolerated that in a time when law, order and calm need to be restored senior members of political parties can be allowed to make such overtly problematic statements that serve to further foster violent and unlawful protest. The EFF’s leadership can no longer remain silent in this regard; for their silence makes them complicit in such destructive and divisive incitements.  

To this end the DA will be investigating its options to hold those responsible for such reckless remarks are dealt with if the EFF’s leadership refuses to do so on its own.

The EFF's youth leader in Pretoria, Omphile Seleke, shared a post on the affiliate's Facebook page on how to make a petrol bomb this week (see image below). The post ended with "gooi it into the window” of any groups that they determine is at odds with their cause. Posts such as these incite violence in a time where political groups on the fringe are mobilising on racially divisive rhetoric and narratives. 

Racialised violence, and calls thereon such as this, are intolerable, more so in the sensitive context experienced on our campuses. The seemingly unprovoked physical assault against protestors at the University of the Free State last week is a perfect example of the fragility of the current situation. Political parties should act responsibly at this time, and call for their affiliates to do the same. The DA equally condemns this violent and unlawful conduct.

The DA supports the right of all groups to protest when there are legitimate complaints. However, we condemn violent protest and vandalism, which run counter to the principles of democracy. We are particularly concerned that the violence on campuses nationwide is undermining the rights of other students to continue with their studies. Just last week North West University’s (NWU) Mahikeng campus has had to shut its doors indefinitely and send students home, leaving those reliant on campus residences, and without resources to return home, without shelter, and bringing their studies to a halt. We recognise that Universities are autonomous institutions, but believe that Government can play a constructive role in ensuring that this situation is not duplicated in other campuses.

This is a time in which peaceful and enduring solutions should be promoted to the myriad of issues experienced on campuses across South Africa. We therefore call on the EFF to show that it is not a violence-inciting political party and reprimand its youth leader for irresponsible and myopic behaviour. 

Statement issued by Yusuf Cassim MP, DASO Leader, 28 February 2016

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