Roosevelt rises for change
ROOSEVELT PARK – Residents speak out on the reasons why they joined the protests against Zuma.
Protesters gathered on the corner of Beyers Naude Drive and Preller Street, as well as on the bridge over the N1 highway, with boards calling for ‘Zuma to go’.
Individuals of all ages came out and blocked one and then two of the lanes on Beyers Naude Drive on 7 April.
Among the many cars hooting in support of the protesters, the steady chant of ‘Zuma Must Fall’ could be heard from the crowd gathered on the road.
Comments on Facebook call for Pravin Gordhan for president, saying the Guptas must go with Zuma.
Community member, Clive Maher, spoke to a Northcliff Melville Times journalist on the scene and said,
“The message is clear, this is not about politics, it is not about race, this is about getting rid of a corrupt president and what is better for the country for all. So the crowd is growing nicely and we are hoping to get more people out here today. The weather seems to be holding out and we are getting great support from the (people passing by) and the people who have joined us.”
Linda Verwey from Albertsville said, “We are trying to achieve social awareness for the whole of South Africa – to see lots of young children here, old people, mixed races – it is about freedom and peace and we need peace in this country.
And we need a leader who is going to do the right thing. It would be nice to have a woman president.
My message to Zuma is: ‘Do the right thing! There are far more eloquent and intelligent people in parliament who can help. Step down with some dignity, whatever is left’.”
Resident, Peter Jones added, “We are here to show our complete displeasure in the criminal activities of our president.
What has really been a marked aspect of this demonstration is that all South Africans, I think for one of the very first times, have all come together, to stand together, irrespective of colour or religion or whatever and we are all united against the corruption in our country.
We love our country, all of us, and we want it to get better.
“Mr President, I don’t think you can do the honourable thing by your behaviour and what you have done. It is time for you to either remove yourself along with the MECs or be removed. We, the people of South Africa demand that you leave government today.”
Protest action continued down Beyers Naude Drive towards the N1 highway, where traffic was backed up due to more protesters blocking off lanes.
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