ANC: Poor will bear the brunt of violence, looting
The African National Congress (ANC) says it is not engaging in talks of a presidential pardon for former leader Jacob Zuma.
This comes amid growing calls from some politicians and pro-Zuma supporters for the 79-year-old to be released from prison.
The embattled politician has served less than a week of his 15-month jail term but the past week’s events have culminated in massive looting and extensive damage to property.
The protests that ensued following Zuma’s arrest have also resulted in violent clashes, arrests and the loss of lives.
ANC deputy secretary-general Jesse Duarte told media on Monday that the party is disheartened by the elements of criminality that have hijacked the country.
“The ANC condemns these acts without reservation. We support the government in efforts to strengthen its response and take harsher measures against this rioting, looting and destruction of property,” Duarte said.
“While these actions are being characterised by some people as a form of political protest, they are now clearly acts of sheer criminality.”
The party’s national executive committee met over the weekend.
“The current violence in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng is having damaging effects on the economy and livelihoods. A number of business organisations have registered their concerns with the widespread vandalism and destruction,” Duarte added.
“Although there may be opportunistic and adventurist acts of looting driven by hardship and poverty, the poor and marginalised will bear the brunt of this looting and destruction as critical public services are being disrupted, jobs are lost, access to safe and reliable public transport is being interrupted, and several small businesses have been destroyed.”
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala is one of the provincial leaders believed to be advocating for a presidential pardon for Zuma.
But Duarte says a get-out-of-jail pass hasn’t been discussed by national structures.
“It may be a desire but presidential pardons you have you apply for and so the person affected would apply for the presidential pardon. It doesn’t come from outside the system itself, you have to be on the system to apply,” Duarte explained.
“This is entirely something that belongs to the individual themselves.”