Zuma calls for protection of young people in communities
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has urged South Africans to unite to protect women and children from abuse. “Our constitution and our culture promote safety,” Zuma told a crowd of about 5 000 at the Ga-Morwe Stadium in Kameelrivier village in Mpumalanga during a Heritage Day event.
“I appeal to South Africans to protect our women and children from abuse. Let us also ensure maximum safety and security in the initiation schools, and ensure that these (schools) are sanctioned by relevant authorities, such as traditional leaders, so that we can protect our young people. Let us unite against corruption and crime in our communities,” he said.
The government was doing everything it could to ensure that more people had access to basic services, such as water and electricity. He said the ongoing project of upgrading the R573, known as the Moloto Road and which runs through Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng, would create more jobs.
South Africa was now a better country than before, during the apartheid era, he said. Heritage Day was an important day for every citizen. “Heritage Day is a day on which we express how proud we are. We show the beauty of our attire, our traditional food, and many other things that make us proud,” he said.
The event was also attended by Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza and several cabinet ministers. Different cultural groups took turns and danced on stage to entertain the crowd.
Shortly after Zuma spoke, a member of the public who introduced himself as Abram Mampana emerged from the crowd and stood near the podium carrying an artwork resembling Zuma. He said he had created the work and wanted to show Zuma his artistic skills and ask him for a job or a business opportunity.
“I am unemployed but I can do a lot of things with my hands,” said Mampana. “I hope the president will see this work and find something for me.” – ANA