- The NHTKL says acts of violence will have a lasting impact on the economy.
- The group says no grievance can justify the destruction of property and infrastructure.
- It called for calm in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
The National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) has called for calm in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, saying no grievance can justify the violence and destruction of property and infrastructure.
In a statement, the group said acts of violence would have a lasting impact on the country's economy.
The NHTKL, Chairpersons Forum, Contralesa and National Khoi-San Council (NKC) were briefed about the riots by government leaders on Wednesday, the statement said.
According to the acting chairperson of the NHTKL, Nkosikazi ND Mhlauli, the meeting "sounded a clarion call to all people in South Africa to stand firm against these acts of violence, which not only destroy property and infrastructure, but also the future of our children as the economic impact of this acts will surely be felt for many years to come".
Mhlauli added: "This call to action by traditional leaders will ensure that the country remains on track to rebuild our economy with the support of all South Africans in the democratic process, hence the need for community mobilisation."
There have been incidents of widespread looting and unrest in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
It is believed to have been instigated by calls to free former president Jacob Zuma from prison.
Zuma is serving a 15-month jail sentence for contempt of a Constitutional Court order compelling him to appear at the Zondo Commission to give evidence.
Meanwhile, at least 72 people died in the unrest across the two provinces and 1 234 people have been arrested in connection with mass looting as of Tuesday night.
In a statement, Mhlauli said they recognise that people have legitimate concerns, but violence was not the solution.
"The right to protest comes with the responsibility of not infringing upon the rights of others, who may be negatively affected by such actions. We cannot allow a few people in our communities to ridicule our democracy and peace."
He said the "cowardly acts" were threatening food and health security.
"The sick, the poor and the marginalised communities will surely feel the worst due to this cowardly act.
"Unfortunately, lives and property were lost during this protest. We would like to convey our condolences to the community members who lost their loved ones."
The group said those arrested should face the might of the law.