Equally unsurprisingly every march led by the ANC or its alliance partners are allowed to take place unhindered.
The DA was forced to go to court to ensure that they can indeed peacefully march through the streets of Johannesburg. But this is not just about a march it is about protecting the Constitution and ensuring that it is not in danger. If my right to the freedom of peaceful expression is curtailed then your right is being curtailed. Plain and simple!
Ironically, the ANC are claiming that the DA is being “provocative” yet it is the ANC that used disturbing language by saying that it will form a “ring of steel” to defend Luthuli House. What is it defending when the DA has clearly stated that it wishes to march peacefully? What does President Zuma mean when he says this march is “dangerous”?
This march is an opportunity not only to highlight that the ANC is not creating jobs, and that its manifesto confirms this, but also it is an opportunity to protect our Constitution which we see being eroded day by day by the ANC.
It is not up to the ANC to decide who may or may not march! Anyone should be able to do so even if the ANC or anyone else doesn’t like it!
It is the Constitution that is supreme, not the ANC or its president.
Manny de Freitas MP
Member of Parliament for Johannesburg South, Lesedi and Midvaal
Shadow Minister for Home Affairs
Democratic Alliance
