COSATU statement on the ongoing protests and the wanton destruction of vital economic and community infrastructure
12 July 2021
The Congress of South African Trade Unions denounces the looting and the destruction of vital economic and community infrastructure in the province of KwaZulu- Natal and Gauteng. We call on law enforcement agencies to act purposefully to put the situation under control.
This lawlessness is spreading all across the country and needs cohesive leadership from all levels of government. Many workers will lose their jobs and many families will be left with no means of earning a living if this is not properly and speedily resolved.
The Federation is disappointed by the disjointed response from the 6th administration. Municipalities, provinces, and national departments have been caught off guard by this ensuing chaos. It is clear that our intelligence agencies are hopeless, and our law enforcement agencies have failed to build police partnerships with the communities they serve.
While the current events were triggered by political restlessness and frustration following the arrest of Former President Jacob Zuma, it is clear now that criminal elements have opportunistically hijacked this issue and are using it to loot.