The much-vaunted national shutdown which the EFF touted as ‘the mother of all shutdowns’ did not manifest itself as the kind of protest we all feared it might become. It conjured up images and memories of the July riots and had the effect of galvanising citizens, security companies and police into taking preventative action. We have become accustomed to wanton destruction, burning and intimidation as a protest style. It was on display in the NEHAWU strike. This time around the Saps, SANDF, security companies and neighbourhood crime watch groups, got themselves prepared to maintain law and order. It was this preparation and resolve that deflated the shutdown and sent a clear message that violence and intimidation would not be tolerated this time.
For their service to the people and their care for our wellbeing, we must thank the security forces and our watch groups. They show us again that when we unite we can defeat lawlessness. This event will hopefully begin the process of restoring our faith in the Saps and foster better working relationships with the officials in our towns.
What it also shows us is that South Africans are losing their appetite for violent protest and the damage it does to our society and our economy. The EFF are calling it a victory because many businesses closed for the day, but for those who remain jobless and locked in poverty, it was hollow and unhelpful. Weakening the economy through shutdowns and driving down business activity has the undeniable impact of destroying job opportunities. The stability of our democracy and the wellbeing of our nation is dependent on having an economy that is capable of supporting its people who are of working age and health.
The majority party’s solution of employing as many people in government as possible and sustaining millions on meagre grants, is a recipe for poverty and inequality. The past 20 years of this failed policy has demonstrated just how damaging it is. True freedom, equality and dignity will come from productive activity that individuals have control over, rather than being controlled through the recipe of fear and patronage.
The day after the ‘shutdown’ we celebrated Human Rights Day. It was a significant in its own right and fitting in its application to the previous day’s event. The rights of individuals to protest does not translate into the right to act with disregard for the law or the impact it has on others. Respect for fellow citizens and the rule of law are fundamentals that resonate with the principles of Liberal Democracy.
The DA in KZN took the initiative to set up a ‘nerve centre’ for its public representatives. This enabled them to escalate issues on the ground to relevant authorities on March 20. This is the spirit and constructive approach that we must foster in our communities if we want progress.
EDWIN BAPTIE:MPL
DA KZN Spokesperson on health
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
