SACP Gauteng calls for restraint following violent protest by ex-combatants

27 August 2013

SACP is deeply shocked by acts of violence following protests by ex-combatants yesterday in Ekhuruleni, East of Gauteng. The purpose of the protest was apparently intended to highlight and bring to the attention of the City the plight of ex-combatants. These ex-combatants, who are from the historically oppressed Africans and Black people, working class and poor, are drawn mainly from the core and main motive force of our National Democratic Revolution (NDR).

Whilst the SACP fully understand and support the legitimate demands of our ex-combatants, we condemn the use of violence against organs of the democratic state that were a product of selfless sacrifices by the gallant forces and martyrs of our entire liberation movement.

The SACP strongly believe that the democratic government led by President Jacob Zuma has made significant and qualitative progress post ANC`s 52nd National Conference held in Polokwane to establish proper structures within the state to address the plight of ex-combatants. We further believe that the National Liberation Movement as a whole has also created revolutionary platforms to act as a voice of ex-combatants.

It is in this context that we believe the use of violence to highlight such concerns is unfortunate and regrettable.

The SACP calls on ex-combatants to use existing platforms and structures within and outside organs of the democratic state to channel their demands and concerns.

As part of the way-forward on this matter, the SACP will engage Alliance and fraternal structures to find a constructive and decisive solution to the historic plight of deserving ex-combatants.

Issued on behalf of the SACP Gauteng Province

Contact: Mamabolo Jacob: Provincial Secretary: 082 884 1868
Lucian Segami: Provincial Spokesperson: 079 522 0098