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It is an understatement to say that this is an important time in South Africa’s history. We stand in a place where, depending on what happens now, the whole future of the country can change dramatically and one path is a very poor economic future.
It is really one of those times where every person needs to stand up and be counted. You need to speak to your friends, you need to be active on social media – in your own personal capacity – and you need, where appropriate, to take part in sensible and well planned marches and campaigns.
You need to think very carefully what you stand for and what you support and take a stand because people power has worked in many countries, and it can work in South Africa. The problem with South Africa, and it is true of other countries in the world, is that inevitably people get the leader they deserve. In other words, if you remain apathetic, if you think someone else will sort out the problem, if you forever are trying to find the silver lining in the next cloud where somebody else or some other organisation or some committee sorts out the problem you may well get exactly what you deserve for your apathy.
This is not the time to simply stay away, to go home and have a braai or hope that South Africa’s leadership issues are resolved either by the SACP or a committee within the ANC. The ANC needs to see that the people of South Africa, and by that I do not just mean disgruntled white people, are sick and tired with what they are seeing and do not want a country where almost every important decision is motivated by what suits the Gupta’s. To my mind, a one day march or strike is not enough – it needs to be a rolling ongoing thing and even if it takes a week, I think it will achieve the same result. If you listen carefully to the speeches of many of the leaders right now, including our former Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan, that is exactly what they are telling us to do – they are saying that we need to stand up and be counted now. If you don’t, those that have taken all of these actions and are behaving in this way will be emboldened, and they will grow stronger. If they are ever going to be replaced, now is the last opportunity.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Wednesday 05-Apr-17
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Comments
Nicolle said:
on Wednesday 03-May-17 01:39 PM
I don't agree. Most people are not apathetic. Most people have the passion and the enthusiasm to really make a difference. It is just that, their passion and enthusiasm is inevitably counterbalanced with their need to earn a living. For most people 1 days unpaid leave would result in months of debt and difficulty.
Suzanne said:
on Wednesday 03-May-17 01:30 PM
I think this is a crucial time for South Africans to stick together, stand next to each other and make a difference. No matter color or language or religious beliefs.
Cornelie said:
on Wednesday 03-May-17 12:43 PM
I agree we must now put colour behind us and stand as a Nation together and fight this corruption and get rid of the leaders that do not deserve to be in a leader position.
Liesl said:
on Friday 21-Apr-17 03:38 PM
This is certainly a time for all races and colour to take a stand together. Lone Ranger tactics are not going to work we need to take a firm stand together if we are going to save this country
tersia said:
on Friday 21-Apr-17 09:01 AM
I 100% agree with you. I felt so proud of myself that I attended a march and was there to have my voice heard. Some people are to afraid to stand up, but I feel if you don't then who is going to and if you can't stand up for your country and what you believe in then you don't have a say either. Then don't complain, because you had the opportunity to do something about it. There are also a lot of people saying that "It won't make a difference, nothing will ever happen." Those people should actually just leave our country, small minds and small believes - if you have such attitude about things then no nothing will ever happen for you.
I do believe a change will come and things will get better.
Sinead said:
on Thursday 13-Apr-17 04:51 PM
I can proudly say that I was part of the march on Friday 07 April 2017. It seems to be a bit of a flash back for our parents though. Change is coming! We just need to take a stand...
#ZuptaMustFall #OurCountryIsNotForSale #SouthAfrcaWillRise
Ashleigh said:
on Thursday 13-Apr-17 04:49 PM
I would stand and protest if I were to be guaranteed that it would not become a racial issue. I did not protest on the 7th April because I believed it would become a racial issue and so far according to the news, my instincts were right. But I am proud of the fact that South Africans are voicing their opinions now and saying no now.
Brenda Du Toit said:
on Tuesday 11-Apr-17 03:45 PM
All of us need to stand together for your country.We need to make South Africa a better place for our children.
Jolene said:
on Monday 10-Apr-17 10:16 AM
It was amazing to see how thousands of South Africans stood together on Friday, no matter what color, race or sex, everyone was there for the same reason. I wonder how Zuma felt when he saw that.
Prishani said:
on Friday 07-Apr-17 04:09 PM
It is a wonderful feeling to be out there protesting for a good and very necessary cause. I do think that it is time for all South Africans to take a stand, many people think it won’t make a difference, but if we all stand together in agreement by being brave and bold we might just save SA!
Lourien said:
on Friday 07-Apr-17 01:40 PM
I am glad that everyone is starting to stand together in our country, but Zuma is laughing it off as he said on the radio he doesn't care what the country does, this is why I am asking "what needs to be done to remove him?" Is this protest going to get him removed when he is "untouchable" and he makes and brakes laws? I think one days protest is too little... the other thing we are worried about is how is this effecting our economy ? We need a change and soon.
Tamaryn said:
on Friday 07-Apr-17 10:34 AM
It's a pivotal moment for South Africa, but I agree, one day isn't enough. The president can ignore one day, maybe two or three. We need to be persistent now, don't forget all about it tomorrow and the next day- that's exactly what the president is hoping for- he is going to ride out the storm, have a laugh at our expense and then carry on regardless. Let us continue until he cannot ignore us anymore. SA is our country, not one man's country and not one wealthy family's country! Ours.
Zanell said:
on Friday 07-Apr-17 09:04 AM
it is time to stand together and the time is now, we need to think about the future and what will happen if we don't do something.
Melissa van Tellingen said:
on Friday 07-Apr-17 08:22 AM
One more sign that our country is going down bit by bit. I feel like even though the entire country will stand together today nothing will happen or change in the end. W e can all try and make an effort to stand together snd unite against Zuma. Hopefully it will make a difference.
Sarah said:
on Thursday 06-Apr-17 08:54 AM
I am glad people are finally standing up for our country, this country just getting worse and worse every year. We have a beautiful country
Dune said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 02:45 PM
This is the time and era where everyone should put race, sex and age aside, unite and stand together. We won't achieve anything if we don't stand together as a country. We need to stand for a change now, before it is too late, we need to protect the future for our kids
Lucretia said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 01:09 PM
This is a very scary time because now the top 6, at least 3 of them, have said they accept Zuma's excuse as to why he did why he did. I am hoping to apply for a day's unpaid leave so i can join the march to get rid of Zuma because he is doing what no other person has been able to do, he is killing this country. Do we call him Zupta or Zugabe???
Michelle said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 01:05 PM
I truly think that we can’t call ourselves a rainbow country if we can’t even stand together. We must try and make a difference for OUR home country. We will see what happens on Friday, how many people will wear black and be a part of the march.
Daniella said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 11:10 AM
"Be The Change that you want to see in the world -Gandhi" This quote fits pretty well with whats going on, if you want a change make it happen don't expect others to make the change for you! I am glad to see that people are coming together to make a difference! and a better future for our country! i agree that everything wont be solved within a day but its a start.
Joyce said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 11:03 AM
it is so shocking the way South Africa is drowning from worse to worst. I think it is true that we need to all stand up and participate and try fixing and stopping the mess
Brenda van den Bergh said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 10:59 AM
I agree that a one day march is going to do nothing to shake Zuma. If South Africans want to take a stand they have to do it properly and effectively. Marching for one day is just going to give Zuma a good laugh because it has no effect? It may feel like it to the people actually marching, but to take a stand, means to keep on with something until it shows results, not just doing something once and hope and pray that you get results. I have been reading the news and it seems like there is no hope for this march, I would like to think otherwise, but the threats of the ANC youth league and members of the ANC are frightening the marchers as the police now say they cannot protect the marchers? Is South African Doomed??
Nina said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 10:41 AM
Shocking to see what is happening. We are really approaching a zimbabwe situation at a high speed. I agree that we should all stand toghether and make sure the ANC and Zuma can see that we will not stand back and just take this crap.
Henrietta said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 10:40 AM
It really is scary as to what our country has become. I agree this is the time to stand together and to fight this, not to sit back and hope it will be resolved. Everyone need to stand together. I also can not see how it was easy for the ANC to get Mbeki to step down but Zuma takes it to the extreme and still is not easy for the ANC to get Zuma to step down. He has disappointed this country and he is for himself not for his country. One has to think, is the ANC so corrupted that they can not see what is happening to our country. I really hope and pray we will see the light in the tunnel sooner rather than later.
Jessica M said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 10:20 AM
I am so shocked about how South Africa keeps getting worse every year. I want to join the protest on Friday and take the stand that our country needs. We can not keep going on like this.
Clare said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 10:10 AM
I agree. We need to stand up for our country people from other country's must think that this place is scary because everyone is going for each other because people can not control the country and fix there mistakes. I will stand for our children because they going to live here when we gone and so on and so on I hope that the walk on Friday will make some changes.
Angelique Jurgens said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 09:49 AM
Reading this gave me chills because it is so true. Every single South African needs to be counted. We need to stand up and demand our country back with our actions. We cannot sit and complain but do nothing. We cannot complain and then instead of marching with organised protests we sit at home and expect our fellow South Africans to do all the work. We need to unite, no matter the colour of your skin, your party of choice but make a change. History is being written and the Zupta name will be remembered forever for all the wrong reasons. The arrogance of both our president who isn't even hiding the fact that the Gupta's are running our country is disgusting. We cannot stand back anymore, we have to do something. #ZumaMustFall #SouthAfricaMustRise #WeWantOurDemocracyBack
Melissa said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 09:48 AM
All of us have to stand together and do the best that we can to make South Africa a better place.
brumilde said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 09:48 AM
wish we could join the strike. i am very good with making posters. hope this doesnt turn into something like the french revolution. a country that still thrives on throwing the racist card in peoples faces, that is poor and falling apart must now stand together. UNTAG! * maybe we should all hold hands and sing together. didnt that work for the hippies? ..The Times They Are A-changin'. Bob Dylan ...
Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone
Mathilda said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 09:32 AM
I totally agree with this blog it’s now or never, we have to take back our country, we have to stand together as one rainbow nation and let them know we will not let our Beautiful country go to nothing because of one bad leader
I'm all for this and will definitely raise my voice with all the other fellow South Africans who wants a better future
Bianca said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 09:27 AM
This is certainly an extremely crucial time for our country and a time where we all need to unite as one to save our beloved country. I sincerely hope that the people's voices will be heard as it is our chance to make our concerns known and to speak as one voice against the horrible running of our country. The past two days on my way home I have noticed peaceful protestors gathering outside the Gupta house in Saxonwold to make their mark during this time. I honestly think it is extremely important to partake in any sense that you are able to, not everyone has the opportunity to take off work but it does not mean that you cannot partake, let's get some boards up and make it known that we will not be silenced and ignored.
Liz said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 09:19 AM
I wholeheartedly agree, many South Africans tend to lay back and hope that change will soon come. In other countries that are plagued by political turmoil it is apparent that people of all ages and socio-economic groups participate in protests and make their voices heard. It is, as stated by many, time for South Africans to unite and ensure that a positive change will be made.
Jadine Esterhuizen said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 09:16 AM
How easy was it not for the ANC or its decision makers to get rid of Mr Mbheki years ago...But its impossible to do the same with the current President. There is no time like the present for South Africans to be united.
patrick said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 09:06 AM
civil uprising against their government is a very strong tool and if is managed properly, it works wonderfully. look at Brazil, look at middle east spring revolt . there is a track record about that this works. as indicated, we really need to do our part and stop folding our arms and say somebody will do it.
Thabitha said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 08:59 AM
I totally agree with today's blog the problem that we are facing is no longer about the colour of the nation it is about all South Africans, we need to stand together and fight this as one nation and 1 day for big strike like this one is not enough and again if you are going to use the 7th as your braai day and then complain about what is happening I am sorry for you lets all take part and forget about ourselves for a day.
Together we stand the stronger we are, this is one opportunity or change to raise our voices loud.
Jadine Richards said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 08:59 AM
I pray that South Africa now believes that this time he really has gone too far. There really isn't much more that this man can do to break us. You are one hundred percent right about us all participating in fighting for change. Assuming and hoping that the next person will do something is not going to work. If we sit by without action then we wont just have Zuma to blame when it all goes down the drain.
Jessica Apfel said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 08:53 AM
I couldnt agree more! This is the time to stand up for what is right and participate in a casue that is bigger than ourselves. It is great to see how people are standing together, regardless of race, creed, culture! That is what South Africa is about. A revolution is upon us!!
Helen said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 08:51 AM
Leaving in this country for 10 years only I can say that right now it is the time to stand up and demand for this country to change. I agree with this blog, only together all of us can make a difference - being all united with only one idea to change this country for the best. At this moment majority of people standing a side and watching and complaining about situation!?
david said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 08:30 AM
no amount of marching is going to do anything. the ANC simply don't care. the ANC of mandela/tambo is no more. nothing is going to get rid of zuma or his ANC except our votes, and the ANC has made sure that the population has remained uneducated. no. nothing will change. hello zimbabwe.
Alexis said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 08:27 AM
I agree with Angelique P - we need to stand together. I believe in what you are saying, that we need to stop this now before it really becomes too out of hand and they are too strong for us to get them out. We need change, we need something to happen - this is the opportunity to do so
Angelique P said:
on Wednesday 05-Apr-17 08:18 AM
It's time to stand together. This can make a big difference in South Africa and that is exactly what we need at this moment. We all need to speak up now. The government need to see that all of us are fed up with them and their decisions. I also agree that we need to do this for a longer period so that they can see we are serious and we want a change in this country.
This is a beautiful country and I think we must fight now before we lose South Africa.
We need a president who can stand for what he believes in a president who knows the right from wrong. A president that cares for his people and not just for himself.
I know that we can make a change. Let’s do this!!
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
