Huge march against corruption in city
Thousands marched to the Union Buildings, submitting an anti-corruption memorandum to the presidency on Wednesday.
An anti-corruption march by thousands through Pretoria central represented politicians, religious leaders and the public. They marched to the Union Building and submitted a memorandum to the presidency demanding an end to corruption.
Many South African luminaries pledged their support for the march, including Economic Freedom Fighters leader (EFF) Julius Malema and their spokesperson, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.
The march started at Burger’s Park in the city centre and moved along Lillian Ngoyi Street. Metro police regulated traffic as the march turned right into Francis Baard Street.
Demonstrators chanted and later turned into Stanza Bopape Street with a final left into the gardens of the Union Buildings.
Despite minor technical glitches the proceedings kicked of with the national anthem, led by the master of ceremonies Stephan Faulkner of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu).
With proceedings underway local poets and singers entertained the crowd while political party speakers arrived.
The crowd was electrified by EFF leader Julius Malema when he was handed a copy of the memorandum of which the original was handed to the minister of the presidency, Jeff Radebe.
Malema told the public the Union Buildings was harbouring the number-one thief: “Corruption steals from the poor and serious shots will be fired in 2016. Things will change as those who are corrupt in power will one day face justice.”
In handing the memorandum to Radebe, Faulkner said it was an important document.
He said when Radebe handed the memorandum to the president he should ensure this particular document was not simply bypassed and filed away.
The presidency had until 30 November to issue a response, said Faulkner.
Radebe who received the memorandum on the president’s behalf, said he was pleased to see everyone coming together for such a righteous cause.
Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, who had led the march, said people were tired of corruption.
“We will not be fooled into believing that a swimming pool should be named a fire pool,” said Vavi.
Vavi said the event was not a march against the African National Congress (ANC) leadership, but a march against corruption.
In a statement, ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said: “We are hopeful that society’s action using anti-corruption measures introduced by our government will assist to stamp out this scourge. Let us act in unison to make South Africa intolerant of corruption,” said Kodwa.
The rally ended with an announcement that the next national anti-corruption march would be on 14 October 2015.
Also read:
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Pretoria to march against corruption
Road closures during anti-corruption march
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