Sunday Times E-Edition

SA’s problems must be solved by the ballot box, not by an uprising

The EFF-led call for a national shutdown tomorrow has placed the country on tenterhooks at a time it should be focusing on finding solutions to the many critical problems facing it. Concerns about possible disruptions, even violence, have moved the government to try to re-assure the public of its readiness to deal with any eventuality. President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday vowed the security forces will defend the “people of South Africa” against violence, saying he will not allow anarchy and disorder to prevail. The DA secured court interdicts in Cape Town and Johannesburg against violent behaviour during the protest action. Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the city will be open for business, adding “our economy does not have time for [a shutdown]”.

Many others agree with him, including the SA National Taxi Council, the biggest taxi association in the country, which pointed out that the industry cannot afford any financial losses. As is the case with the rest of the economy, the industry is still reeling from the impact of the 2021 July unrest.

Business Unity SA, saying it shares people’s frustrations with power cuts, joblessness and slow economic growth, has warned that a “disruption of the economy by a minority will further aggravate an already dire situation and threaten workplaces, household incomes”. The Defend our Democracy campaign, with the support of dozens of organisations including the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, agree that South Africa is in crisis but warned that actions seeking to deepen that crisis cannot be the solution.

On the record, EFF leader Julius Malema says the protest is to force the removal of Ramaphosa and to end loadshedding.

The right of the EFF, or anyone else, to public protest, including marching, is a given, guaranteed by the constitution. It is, however, also the right of all citizens, including those opposed to the EFF call, to continue with their normal business unhindered by violence or intimidation.

The urgency for government to end load-shedding, which is devastating the economy and disrupting normal life, is not in dispute. Nor is the right of citizens to call out government when it fails in other ways to perform its functions. But the use of violence, or the threat of harm to lives and businesses, crosses the line.

Malema’s response to Friday’s court interdict is also of concern. “Whether they kill or not kill, we will be on the streets of South Africa. We don’t care what the security cluster says or the judge says. No-one can stop a revolution.”

These are comments unbecoming of someone who is a member of parliament, and who has sworn to uphold the constitution of the republic.

In his own words Malema has acknowledged that the protest could degenerate into generalised unrest, a so-called “unled revolution”. Therefore, he must be prepared to take responsibility for the consequences of a call he is making consciously and deliberately.

The country cannot afford a repeat of the 2021 July riots, during which more than 350 people died and countless businesses were looted.

The events of tomorrow will no doubt put to the test government’s resolve to maintain order and check any illegal acts relating to the protest. The security forces will also be challenged to do their job effectively, while avoiding any outcomes that may turn into martyrs those who choose to break the law. That said, it behoves the EFF and its supporters to ensure that their protest is a peaceful one that does not encroach upon the rights of those who do not agree with its approach or objectives.

Because ours is a constitutional country, not a banana republic, anyone who wishes to change the government is obliged to do so by democratic means, rather than by violent threats or intimidation. This applies to the EFF or anyone else who is not happy with the government. Next year’s elections will provide just such an opportunity.

The country cannot afford a repeat of the 2021 July riots

Opinion

en-za

2023-03-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://times-e-editions.pressreader.com/article/281947432087761

Arena Holdings PTY