Violent protests a dangerous trend - ANC

2011-09-07 12:42

Johannesburg - The tendency of "certain ANC members" resorting to violent protests to challenge decisions has reached unprecedented levels, the party said on Wednesday.

"Last week's violence outside Luthuli House is part of this dangerous trend," ANC Gauteng secretary David Makhura said in Johannesburg.

"We strongly condemn the violence and anarchy that took place. It could have been prevented within the organisation."

He said the party's leadership needed to be consistent and decisive in dealing with the "corrosive practice without fear or favour".

Through discussion with youth league members in the province, the party found that ANC Youth League members were involved in the violence. Those identified as being part of the crowd would face disciplinary action.

Undermines internal processes

"It is wrong for ANC members to sort out things in a way that undermines internal processes," said Makhura.

The branch would continue discussing the matter with its youth wing.

Makhura was unable to say who bussed in supporters. Last Tuesday, running battles broke out on the streets surrounding Luthuli House during a disciplinary hearing of ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema.

Branch members and supporters pelted journalists and police with rocks and bricks, resulting in several people being injured, and burned images of President Jacob Zuma.

Makhura said similar "tendencies" erupted during the election list process when ANC meetings were disrupted, and offices forcefully occupied, or even burnt down.

"You can't mobilise against decisions... discipline in our provinces continues to be an ongoing issue," he said.

- SAPA