Kensingtonians support national shutdown
KENSINGTON – Kensingtonians join protests for Jacob Zuma to step down.
After the call for a national shutdown through protests against President Jacob Zuma, many South Africans used the opportunity to voice their discontent with his leadership.
Kensington residents, dressed in black, gathered on the corner of Queen Street and Langerman Drive on 7 April to join the countrywide protest. They stood on the side of the road holding placards and motorists who were passing by, hooted in support of the protest.
Some residents also spoke out about why they supported the protests.
Beverley Campbell said, “We will not stand silent or be left speechless any longer. Today we stood on the streets and sidewalks for real democracy, fairness and honest representation. We stood as citizens of South Africa and residents of Kensington, not as politicised protesters. We crossed the colour, age and gender lines as we stood together, united in our stand against corruption.”
Read: VIDEO: DA supporter calls on unity to go beyond anti-Zuma march
Wendy McNally pointed out that the ruling party must support and defend the rights of all citizens. “Our democracy is very important to us as South African citizens,” she said. “Our Constitution must be honoured and protected. We struggled [for] a free and fair government. The government should be representative of all and respectful to all.”
Gail Mervis also expressed her discontent. “We want to have confidence in our leaders, and we want to see action taken to create a sustainable future,” said Mervis. “Up until recently, we were proud of what we had created together in 23 years. We are tired of corruption. We are astounded by the extent of the [State] capture of our country.”
The residents said they stood in solidarity with all citizens looking for a brighter future, a free democratic society, the right to free speech as well as the right to good governance. They were one of many groups that participated in protests to voice their discontent with the government and to call Zuma to step down.
The protests come after Zuma’s reshuffling of the cabinet after he fired Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas.
Opposition political parties and some members of the ANC have called for Zuma’s resignation.
