South Africa Issues Statement About Protests in America Following Death of George Floyd
The South African government says it has observed the protests in the USA following the tragic death of George Floyd, and calls on all in America – especially the security forces – to exercise maximum restraint in responding to the anger and frustration felt by many of its citizens, friends and international partners. DIRCO Minister […]
The South African government says it has observed the protests in the USA following the tragic death of George Floyd, and calls on all in America – especially the security forces – to exercise maximum restraint in responding to the anger and frustration felt by many of its citizens, friends and international partners.
DIRCO Minister Naledi Pandor expressed condolences to Floyd’s family and friends on behalf of President Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa.
The Minister said “the violence that has characterized some of the protests seriously detracts from drawing international awareness to the legitimate concerns about violence against defenceless black people and other minorities in America.”
Minister Pandor said the regrettable death of Floyd presents the USA with an opportunity to address fundamental issues of human rights such as freedom, dignity and equality.
She said just as the people of America supported South Africa in its struggle against apartheid, South Africa too supports the clarion calls for practical action to address the inadequacies highlighted by protesters, civil society and human rights organisations.
“Recalling the steps post-apartheid South Africa bravely undertook as part of its new constitutional dispensation we are convinced that America – a beacon of freedom for many worldwide – has the ability to directly focus on healing and peace and achieve an outcome that prioritises respect for and promotion of fundamental freedoms for all Americans,” Minister Pandor added.
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said that South Africa calls on all leaders to work together to end violence and to develop a set of measures that would serve to end the insecurity and harm experienced by many members of the African American community.
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My statement on the death of George Floyd: pic.twitter.com/Hg1k9JHT6R
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 29, 2020
We have gas in Atlanta. Most of it is blowing back onto police. pic.twitter.com/ZOtbJKGe8S
— Charlie Gile (@CharlieGileNBC) June 1, 2020