"The inequality gaps and extreme levels of poverty leading to the kind of socio-economic desperation experienced by large portions of our population on a daily basis is the underlying reason," provincial spokesman Makonde Mathivha said in a statement.

"Clear, unambiguous steps need to be taken by leaders, both in government and the private sector, to vigorously pursue economic transformation at an unparalleled pace if a repeat of this kind of senseless massacre is to be avoided."

On Thursday, police opened fire on protesters, leaving 34 dead and 78 injured.

Mathivha said socio-economic problems will never be resolved through heavily armed police.

"We join loved ones and dependants of the deceased in saluting their lives to the struggle to realise economic emancipation for hardworking, impoverished communities in South Africa," he said.