MEC Motlalepula Rosho says the violent protests which were accompanied by the looting of malls, burning of property, and public infrastructure should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. She has echoed President Cyril Ramaphosa's sentiments, who characterised the torching of trucks, infrastructure and property as acts of economic sabotage. Rosho says such actions fly in the face of the government in its quest to rebuild the ailing economy.

Rosho, like many leaders across the country, thanked and commended religious leaders, taxi drivers, private security companies, informal traders, social activists and members of the community who came to the front and protected their towns from malicious destruction.

She adds that such individuals demonstrated that the government is working together with communities to achieve common goals. Together they are a strong force.

"Although the situation was very volatile, they managed to bring it under control and pacify those itching to loot.

“These are the people who said such destruction will not happen under their watch and we applaud them for their courage and bravery to jealously protect what is theirs from opportunists and criminals from taking advantage of the protests. We need such men and women in our communities who will not fold their arms or look the 'other way' when something wrong is happening," she further adds.

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