President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation about the widespread looting and violence since the weekend. Large parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal resemble warzones. Shahan Ramkissoon gets reaction from DA Leader, John Steenhuisen. Courtesy #DStv403
JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa is out of touch with what is happening on the ground, said DA leader John Steenhuisen.
"Very little in his address offered anything new or significant in terms of measures to curb the violence," he said.
READ: Ramaphosa: We are mobilising all resources to restore order
Ramaphosa on Monday condemned the violence, warning of dire consequences.
At least 10 people have been killed in running battles between looters, police and residents who've fought back.
READ: Ramaphosa warns of food, medicine insecurity due to unrest
Millions of rand of damage has been caused to roads, shopping centres and other infrastructure.
"Frankly it's too late for many businesses that are burnt to the ground. People's lives, their dreams, their jobs all gone up in smoke," Steenhuisen said.
There were no details, for example, of the SANDF deployment, such as numbers of troops and where they are to be deployed, as well as no details on any progress from Crime Intelligence. - @jsteenhuisen
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) July 12, 2021
In short, it was clear that the President and his government have no real plan and that citizens will have to face the mobs of rioters and looters entirely on their own. - @jsteenhuisen
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) July 12, 2021