Zuma calls for calm as campus protests rage on

President Jacob Zuma has called for calm and restraint at all higher education institution campuses in the country after days of violent clashes with students and police and the destruction of property.

Zuma is “seriously disturbed” by the violence on some campuses‚ the presidency said on Thursday.

Zuma said all citizens had the right‚ peacefully and unarmed‚ to assemble‚ to demonstrate‚ to picket and to present petitions. But he cautioned that protestors should at all times adhere to the Constitution when undertaking protest action.

“We urge the students to exercise this right in a responsible manner. They must respect law enforcement officers. They must also respect the rights of others who are not taking part in the protests.

“We have also directed members of the South African Police Service to act strictly within the confines of the law and the Constitution as they discharge their duties of ensuring the safety and security of all as well as protecting lives and property‚” said Zuma.

The president also extended his condolences to the family of Mr Celumusa Ntuli‚ the Wits University worker who died after he inhaled fumes from a fire extinguisher that was discharged during student protests.

Zuma said government was committed to support access to education for all‚ “including the children of the poor and the working class and has urged university management‚ parents‚ students and all stakeholders in communities to work with government to find solutions peacefully and constructively‚” said the presidency