Protesters in South Africa call on President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign
PBS NewsHourDec 23, 2022
South Africa: Over 550 Arrested During Anti-Govt Protests
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Image copyright: Reuters [via Al Jazeera]
The Facts
More than 550 protestors have been arrested on charges of public violence, intimidation, damage to critical infrastructure, theft, and attempted looting during an attempted national shutdown that occurred in South Africa on Monday.
Thousands of protesters marched through South Africa's cities after the Marxist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party called on Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa to resign over the unemployment and crippling power cuts.
The Spin
Narrative A
Not only has he overseen South Africa's economic and infrastructural collapse, but Ramaphosa has also been found guilty under the Constitution and anti-corruption laws in his game farm dealings. It is in the best interest of the stability of the country and the government that Ramaphosa quits as he faces spiraling and devastating criminal trials and impeachment proceedings.
Narrative B
There is no need for Ramaphosa to resign before any official, legitimate indictments and convictions have been realized. Parliament's independent panel has led to allegations based mainly upon hearsay. To force the resignation of the nation's leader simply due to demonstrations and public demands and not through proper channels could mean South Africa's democracy is heading for a perilous backslide.
