ANC urges protesters at Union Buildings to refrain from violence
The African National Congress (ANC) on Friday urged thousands of protesting students to exercise discipline and refrain from acts of violence during a march at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
A section of the building’s security fence was vandalised as impatient protesters demanded that President Jacob Zuma address them at the south lawn where thousands of protesters had gathered by midday.
Bottles, stones and other objects were thrown at riot police and reporters behind the fence.
“The large majority of these students have continued to conduct themselves in a disciplined and orderly manner, which has, to a greater extent, been characteristic of the student protests across the country,” the party said.
“We have further noted attempts by a small grouping of students to breach the barrier wall at the Union Buildings and other unruly actions during the student protest. These actions undermine the revolutionary intent and progressive demands of the students who, to date, have conducted themselves in a largely exemplary manner.
“The ANC appeals to the resolute, determined and disciplined students to distance themselves from these agent provocateurs who seem determined to provoke confrontation between the students and police and exploit the students grievances to undermine and embarrass the organisations and students who have determinedly undertaken these protests to date”.
The party called on the police to exercise restraint.
Students have been protesting across South Africa over the proposed fee increases at tertiary institutions for next year.
A meeting called by Zuma with leaders of student movements was underway at the Union Buildings. - ANA