South Africa's Ramaphosa flies in to try and quell northern protests

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks during the Commonwealth Business Forum Banquet at the Guildhall in London, Britain, April 17, 2018. REUTERS/Simon Dawson

MAHIKENG, South Africa (Reuters) - South Africa's new president Cyril Ramaphosa flew into the northern city of Mahikeng on Friday to try and quell an outbreak of violent protests that had forced him to cut short a visit to a Commonwealth summit.

The 65-year-old headed straight into meetings with officials to discuss the demonstrations against poor public services and the local government which is led by a member of his ruling African National Congress.