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- President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the standoff outside Brackenfell High School.
- EFF supporters protested a private event hosted by parents allegedly only attended by white students.
- After a heated exchange between residents and EFF protesters, blows were launched.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the confrontation outside Brackenfell High School in Cape Town as deeply regrettable and has called on all parties involved to act responsibly.
On Monday, Brackenfell residents and EFF protesters squared off as the party protested a private event held by Brackenfell High School parents allegedly only attended by white students.
A general view of the residence colliding with the EFF during a protest outside Brackenfell High School. (Photo by Gallo Images)
Video footage showed angry members of the Brackenfell community and EFF protesters clashing. After a heated exchange, blows were thrown.
“At this very important and difficult time for enrollees, not just at Brackenfell High School, but across the country, the sight of parents and protesters arriving at the school gates is deeply unfortunate,” Ramaphosa said.
SEE | Fists fly outside Brackenfell High School as tensions rise between residents and EFF protesters
“All South Africans have the right to participate in peaceful protests, and any action to suppress the right to freedom of expression, especially through violence and intimidation, must be roundly condemned.
“What happened today [Monday] it brings back painful memories of a past we should never try to return to, “Ramaphosa said.
He added that allegations of racism directed against the school must be urgently investigated.
“We must always be aware of the extent to which our actions, both in public and in private, undermine the precious principle of non-racism on which our democracy was founded,” Ramaphosa said.
He called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and resolve their differences peacefully and through dialogue.
“We must not allow what has happened at Brackenfell High School to be used by groups that want to cause racial polarization,” Ramaphosa said.
