President Zuma has declared that South Africa will not tolerate the violence and destruction of property that have accompanied nationwide protest against a lack of basic services in townships, writes Reuters. “There is no cause in a democratic and free society, however legitimate, that justifies the wanton destruction of property and violence that we have witnessed,” Zuma said in a meeting with mayors of the country’s 283 municipalities. Last week, police fired teargas and rubber bullets to break up protests in several townships. Protesters blockaded roads with burning barricades and have also burnt down libraries at the homes of local government officials. Following Zuma’s election in April, protests over poor infrastructure in townships have increased, putting pressure on the SA’s government to meet campaign promises to improve the lives of millions of black South Africans still living in poverty 15 years after the end of apartheid.
