Is the democratic government overtaken by events? Has it lost control? Every week, if not daily, there are violent protests in many parts of the country. During these protests, public buildings are destroyed and innocent people injured. This has become normal, but [remains] unacceptable.
In South Africa, violence is cultural, historical and political. In simple terms, it is entrenched. During the apartheid era, violence was used to fight the oppressive system. It is still the order of the day even today.
When South Africans embark on protest action and use violence, they are making a political statement. Violence is a tool that the masses use to fight political battles. This is partly because political leaders don’t give them an ear. So, they resort to violence.
It is my considered view that government is also promoting violence in our society. When the masses protest peacefully, our political leaders don’t respond to their grievances. However, when they use violence, leaders respond swiftly. And the masses have become aware of that.
Last week, the residents of Katlehong on the East Rand protested over the lack of electricity. During the protest, they torched a primary school. The MEC for Education in Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, responded by saying that the department is not going to fix that school. Parents will [have to do it].
In the same week, the Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni, posted a picture on Facebook of the residents of Orlando, Soweto, protesting against the installation of electricity meters in the area. Protesters barricaded the streets with burning tyres. That’s violence.
It is not enough to condemn violent protests. Government should address the underlying issues. For instance, the democratic government is responsible for the near collapse of Eskom. It has failed to build power stations in time and also promoted corruption in the electricity utility. Now the masses have to pay for the government’s failure.
Worse, those leaders who are involved in corruption and maladministration have been returned to parliament. Very few are being punished for committing this sin. Is the governing party showing the masses a middle finger, knowing that they can’t do anything? This is the impression that many have.
The reality is that violence is not going away anytime soon in South Africa. It is here to stay. However, we need to fight this culture with everything we have. It would help if our political leaders were responsive and listened to the masses. That can go a long way towards managing the violent protests in our country.
