Ramaphosa Warns SA Of Food and Medicine Shortage Due to Continued Unrest

• South Africa is currently experiencing widespread looting and destruction of property by protestors
• President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned the country that continued protests could have dire outcomes for individuals
• Ramaphosa has also stated that the protests have affected the country's Covid-19 vaccination programme

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While addressing the nation on Monday 12 July President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned South Africa of food and medication security compromise should looting and destruction of businesses continue.

Ramaphosa stated that the looting and destruction of property mean that the sick do not have access to medication and supermarkets are unable to restock shelves, reports eNCA. Ramaphosa also said that health works are unable to go to work.

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"We will soon be facing a huge risk of food security and medicine security in a matter of weeks," said Ramaphosa in quote by eNCA.

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Ramaphosa added that the looting was cutting off supply chains that sustain South Africa's food, health and production systems.

Ramaphosa recognised that the looting and the destruction could be drive by opportunistic individuals however he was also recognised that poverty and hardship could be fuelling the looting, reports TimesLIVE.

He also added that the country's Covid-19 vaccination programme is also taking a hard hit because of the violence. This is particularly devasting as the vaccine programme was starting to pick up.

Ramaphosa also warned that continued violence would only lead to more unemployment and even more poverty as well as the loss of lives.

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"The path of violence, of looting and anarchy, leads only to more violence and devastation. It leads to more poverty, more unemployment, and more loss of innocent life," said Ramaphosa.

Action will be taken to protect every person in this country, Says Ramaphosa

Briefly News reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed to protect citizens against the threat of violence, intimidation, theft and looting.

In his address, Ramaphosa acknowledged the destruction which has been caused to property, the looting of shops and businesses, and the reports of threats against law-abiding citizens.

The president gave an update on strides made by police in arresting those deemed to be involved in various criminal acts.

In Gauteng, which has also experienced the blocking of roads and burning of trucks, more than 300 suspects have been arrested while more than 160 have been nabbed in KwaZulu-Natal.

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Source: Briefly News