This, according to a statement released by the Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele. "The government is aware of the issues related to the delivery of basic services and calls for concerns to be raised on a peaceful and legitimate platform.

"During this difficult period, citizens, businesses, organised labour, wider social formations, and the government all need to pull together to overcome the current challenges. We are a resilient nation and will overcome these difficulties that afflict us.

'Destruction adds to our woes'

"The Constitution guarantees the rights of citizens to embark on protests. However, it must be done responsibly and within the confines of the law. The destruction of property and the infringement of the rights of others cannot be tolerated. Such acts of destruction similarly add to our woes, as at times they destroy the very infrastructure that is needed to allow the economy to grow.

"The South African Police Service and law enforcement agencies will act against those who violate the law. Communities must allow the police to do their job, without any interference," added Gungubele.

He warned that videos and commentary on social media that present South Africa out of context "paints an erroneous image of the country".

'We all have a role to play'

"These videos are deceptive and have the potential to adversely harm the country. We all have a role to play in improving our country, and these harmful social media posts serve individual interests and not that of improving our beautiful country. Let us play our part in building our country by exercising our democratic rights responsibly," concluded Gungubele.

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