I am sure many of you follow the news, and have heard the rumblings about South Africa and its current situation. Some of you might have glossed over it and not paid much heed to it because it is a nation known for its protests, so what is one more? and sadly it is a nation who's president has frequented the news with embarrassing blunders and bad choices...so what's one more?
But it was one more too many for our nation . . . our whole nation, not just a demographic . . . so I ask you not to gloss over and carry on with your lives but take a stand on behalf of South Africa, because the time for change has to come, and SOON.
I am not necessarily debating politics here, nor am I excluding it. I am also not opening up a discussion as to whether protesting is right or wrong . . .what I am saying is our nation is in trouble, and has been for a very long time. Corruption, Crime, Bloodshed, and Chaos have ruled for too long.
What is interesting is too see that the people of the land have finally had enough. As I mentioned it was not just one demographic but the nation, the people of this land from all walks of life, races and ages took a stand. Some say 60 000 took to the streets, and others say 100 000. the number is irrelevant because many more added their voice even if they couldn't add their presence. I think it is the first time in our nation's history where it was all people from all walks of life joining together, finally the divide of racism and other factors fell and they took a stand as a nation. You will only have to google search and glance through the images to see the truth in this. This is a huge milestone in our nation, regardless of the outcome, something has finally shifted and a unity is being forged.
Another thing stood out to me, sadly not in a good way. In Durban a certain group of people decided to march on the same day as the anti Zuma protests. [actually Durban had 3 marches on the same day]. This particular group didn't need to march on the same day, and claimed it had nothing to do with the other marches, it was simply a co-incidence that it was planned for the same day. YES, none of us believed them. Regardless they were allowed to march on the same day, but in a different route and direction. Truthfully, and not to be prophets of gloom but everyone I spoke to, myself included, felt it would end badly. And it did.
As predicted this group of people arrived to march armed with sticks, golf clubs, and half bricks. Still stating they intend no harm and had no agenda against the other protesters. True to prediction, the changed course and marched in the direction of the other protest, upon arrival they proceeded to attack a small group of protesters who were still gathered. Firstly, why were they not stopped at the point they changed course? secondly why were they allowed to march armed? But its a glimpse into the corruption in this nation that is the root cause of the violence and the crime. One of their leaders was on the news saying that just because they marched with sticks doesn't show that they had any intention of being violent, that they could not have predicted it happening. this comment was closely followed by saying that regardless its not illegal to march carrying sticks.
In contrast the majority of the country marched without weapons and without causing violence, on the whole. I am sure like anywhere, there might have been a few hotheads. but on the whole a nation took a stand in peace and unity.
But the end is not in sight, there is still a long road ahead. We are all disillusioned but pro-active. No more hiding or grumbling or running, South Africa is taking a stand on behalf of our land. So I ask you to join in, in the way that is the most powerful....Stand up for South Africa by taking a stand in prayer.
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