Ballito comes out in force to #SaveSA

Despite a last-minute change of venue, last week’s #SaveSA demonstration in Ballito saw thousands taking to the streets.

Up to 2 000 people marched down Compensation Beach Road on Friday demanding that President Jacob Zuma step down. The demonstration took place in solidarity with similar protests across the country.

Also read: Ballito joins #FreedomFriday

People from all racial groups stood together in the good-natured march with a large police presence, that saw no incidents. There was much laughter as the ‘whiteys’ were given advice on how to toyi-toyi and were taught the songs to sing on such an occasion.

The demonstration was originally planned to take place on Ballito Drive in front of the Virgin Active gym. However, it was moved after mayor Ricardo Mthembu called for the local ANC branch to hold their own march – right through the planned #SaveSA demonstration.

“This was typical ANC bully boy tactics,” said the Ballito #SaveSA demonstration organiser Nic Jordan.

“At the same time I think it’s good – it shows that they’re starting to take us seriously.”

Participants began gathering in front of La Montagne as early as 9am for the march to the Balvista Centre in downtown Ballito. The march started at 10am and soon thousands had joined in.

Shozaloza and Nkosi Sikeleli iAfrika were sung as the crowd marched with a sense of togetherness and joy in seeing so many South Africans of all colours and creeds taking hands to demand a better future for the country.

Jordan said they had only been expecting 300 to 400 people, so the turnout was a massive surprise.

“For me – it was a feeling of unity. I think that the rainbow nation is starting to find each other again.”

At the other side of town, about 1 000 ANC supporters marched from Shaka’s Head to the old taxi rank in Ballito Drive in support of President Zuma.

Also read: KwaDukuza ANC ‘Pro-Zuma’ march to Ballito

When they tried to force their way further down Ballito Drive they were stopped by the large police presence.

Mayor Mthembu, who had called for action on his Facebook page, denied it was in response to the anti-Zuma protest. He said it was to encourage economic transformation and a protest against the exploitation of working-class people.

“President Zuma represents the ANC and when people attack him, they attack the ANC and we cannot be expected to sit back and let that happen.”

The nation embarked on mass protests action on what was deemed to be “black Friday” following President Zuma’s cabinet reshuffle two weeks ago, his appointment of 10 new ministers and deputies and in particular the firing of finance minister Pravin Gordhan.

ANC regional secretary Thabani Mdlalose said the #SaveSA protests were an insult to the ruling party.

“We have been touched on a wrong and sensitive spot. People can do what they want but they should not dare touch the president. When the president does something in line with the constitution of the country, the white people see the need to march. This should not be called Black Friday but rather White Friday.”

The ANC believes the shutdown SA campaign will not solve any of the problems in the country but that it will it will create political instability and advance the “selfish tactics” of those who control wealth to further exploit the poor and needy citizens.

Mayor Mthembu scoffed at the idea that protests would force President Zuma to step down.

“He did not do anything wrong. This whole issue has been blown out of portion by the rich people who are exploiting the poor for their own agenda which is to keep their wealth.”

>>  Expect to find the latest trends in Health, Wellness and Beauty in Ballito.

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