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The Congress of South African Trade Unions condemns the torching of thirteen schools in Vhembe in Limpopo by arsonists pretending to be protesters . The federation is calling for calm and for sober minds to prevail and put a stop to this unnecessary violence. The nation’s  law enforcement agencies also need to act swiftly and decisively to deal with acts vandalism.

The federation supports the people’s right to protest and is urging those in authority to listen and respond to the demands of the people. But people need to harness, control and re-direct their anger to relevant authorities, without using violence and engaging in reckless destruction of community infrastructure.

COSATU is calling on all community leaders to intervene and provide the necessary leadership to ensure that the community infrastructure is not burned down and that innocent people do not fall victims to this unnecessary violence. It is not acceptable that protestors are sabotaging the education and the future of working class students in their quest to get attention from the relevant authorities.

This uncalled-for violence and destruction of property delegitimizes what are genuine concerns by community members and also overshadows their demands. The provincial government structures should act to find a solution to this problem and we reiterate the call made by our provincial office for the Alliance partners, especially the ANC to provide leadership.

The destruction of schools is not only a criminal act but also a gross betrayal of young people , who are struggling to access education and gain unemployment, sometimes because of lack of skills. This country needs to be investing more on education and anyone , who is burning schools is declaring war on the community itself.  The community Vhuwani should act to reclaim their community and their protest from the criminal elements.

Issued by COSATU