Zuma calls for calm as student protests escalate in S. Africa

South African President Jacob Zuma on Thursday called for calm and restraint as violent student protests against fee increases escalated across the country.

The president said he is seriously disturbed by the violence in some campuses.

Zuma reiterated that all citizens have the right, peacefully and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions, but protestors should at all times adhere to the Constitution when undertaking protest action.

"We urge the students to exercise this right in a responsible manner. They must respect law enforcement officers. They must also respect the rights of others who are not taking part in the protests," said Zuma.

Zuma said he has directed the South African Police Service to act strictly within the confines of the law and the Constitution as they discharge their duties of ensuring the safety and security of all as well as protecting lives and property.

The president reaffirmed the government's commitment to support access to education for all, including the children of the poor and the working class.

He urged university management, parents, students and all stakeholders in communities to work with the government to find solutions peacefully and constructively.

Zuma also extended his deepest condolences to the family of Celumusa Ntuli, a worker at the Wits University in Johannesburg, who died during a student protest earlier this week.

A new wave of student protests erupted last week after Minister of Higher Education and Traning, Blade Nzimande announced that universities can raise fees, provided that it does not exceed eight percent.

Due to the protests, some major universities have shut down. The University of Cape Town said it would close for a year if class was not resumed next Monday.

Students have vowed to paralyze all institutions of higher learning if their demand for zero-percent fee increases is not met. Endit