Student protests a test of SA's democracy: Ramaphosa
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa says the student demand for free higher education highlights our democratic state's ability to balance the right of association and to peaceful protest, and the implementation of the rule of law.
He was speaking at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa's 20th anniversary symposium.
"South Africa has witnessed widespread student protests over the cost of higher education. While seeking to address their own immediate material concerns, they have sharply raised an issue that is critical to the future of our country. They have been exercising their right to protest, they have been demanding their right to education. They have done much to prove the vibrancy and strength of our democracy.
Ramaphosa says there are some who have engaged in violence and destruction of property.
"There are some who have, in vigorous pursuit of their own rights, infringed upon the rights and dignity of others. The manner in which a society resolves these conflicts, how it manages these tensions, how it navigates the line between dissent and disorder, says much about the depth and resilience of its democracy," he said.
The Deputy President says there's an increasing demand from people on the continent for democracy.
Ramaphosa says a time has come where Africa is synonymous with democracy, good governance, justice and the upholding of the rule of law.
"The continent has known enough suffering. It has experienced slavery, colonialism, apartheid and Cold War imperialism. The people of Africa yearn for peace, development and selfless leadership. Increasingly, they demand their share of the fruits of freedom and democracy. Increasingly, they demand efficient, responsive and accountable government," he said.