‘Zuma’s claim sparked vandalism’

16/04/2015.Members of the Afriforum youth hung placards along the fence of the Union Buildings. Picture: Masi Losi

16/04/2015.Members of the Afriforum youth hung placards along the fence of the Union Buildings. Picture: Masi Losi

Published Apr 17, 2015

Share

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma must withdraw and apologise for his controversial statement implying the arrival of colonialist Jan van Riebeeck opened the way for racial discrimination in South Africa.

According to AfriForum Youth, Zuma’s words, uttered in response to questions and comments raised during the State of the Nation Address, fuelled the vandalism of statues of colonial leaders across the country over the past few weeks.

Members of the civil rights organisation protested at the Union Buildings on Thursday afternoon as part of their #dankieJan campaign which kicked off in Cape Town last week.

The group put up 150 posters on the fence bordering the south lawns in front of the Union Buildings expressing their views. Some of the posters are on street lights.

The posters, produced and paid for by the youth movement, read: “Zuma to blame for statue vandalism.”

There is another set that has the words, “Zuma, take back your words on Jan”.

AfriForum Youth national chairman, Henk Maree, said they went to Parliament and asked for Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa to initiate a public debate on the future of national monuments.

The event is expected to be attended by political parties and stakeholders like AfriForum Youth.

Maree said: “Mthethwa responded positively, and a discussion on the statues is taking place at Freedom Park on Friday.

“However, Zuma has not mentioned a word. He should stand up, take ownership of his words and show decisive leadership. We are hoping for a positive response from the president as a result of this protest.”

Pretoria News

Related Topics: