Zuma says future of SA youth being destroyed by vandalism
President Jacob Zuma says destroying schools and other acts of violence during protests cannot be tolerated.
Zuma addressed a national Youth Day event at Orlando Stadium in Soweto yesterday where he paid tribute to the youth of 1976 - 40 years since the student uprisings.
Referring to the more than 20 schools that were recently torched in Vuwani by protesting residents, Zuma said destroying educational facilities was unacceptable.
''Why do we believe we are building a future of our country if our building it is to destroy it? If we destroy schools, where are our schools going to go in and receive education tomorrow? In no way we [can say that are very sober] if we can burn the future of our kids,'' he said.
Turning his attention to the scourge of substance abuse, Zuma said the levels of drug and alcohol abuse among South Africa’s youth are staggering.
"Some parents live in fear of their children who terrorise them due to the abuse of nyaope, whoonga, cocaine, heroin and other drugs. We appeal to our youth to say 'no' to drugs. Those who are already addicted should seek treatment. Government is building treatment centres in every province to make treatment accessible," he added.
Zuma has also appealed to local authorities to revoke the liquor licences of outlets who operate near schools or target school children.