FXI leads freedom of expression march

Independent analysts and human rights activists firmly believe that South Africa's freedom of expression, including freedom of the press, is under threat as government flexes its muscles to silence what critics call the ‘voice of reason'.

“The latest developments are a clear indication that our freedom of expression is under threat, as whistleblowers and others freethinking minds are disciplined for speaking out against serious problems affecting our country,” FXI executive director Jane Duncan told Bizcommunity.com.

“Unacceptable”

“The action taken against Nozizwe [deputy minister of health] is unacceptable and demonstrates that something is very wrong with the system.”

Protesters, including hawkers and anti-privatisation activists, started to convene around 11am outside the FXI offices in Braamfontein and at noon the march kicked off under the ‘watchful eye' of the police.

All the way, they chanted anti-governments songs and cursed Charles Nqakula [minister of safety and security] for promoting what they see as ‘neo-apartheid policies'.

Very unfortunate incidents have occurred in the past few months nationwide, whereby law enforcers have fought running and bloody battles against hawkers and those protesting against the lack of service delivery in their area.

As a result, many people were seriously injured and others shot dead when police used what the FXI sees as ‘excessive force against poor people and law-abiding citizens fighting for their rights'.

“We are witnessing the spiral of violence because communities' voices are not being listened to and people are very frustrated. Today's police brutality can only be compared to the apartheid era's methods whereby police used unchecked use of force,” Duncan said.

Echoed sentiments

One protester – a hawker – who claimed police beat him up a few weeks ago after confiscating his wares and accusing him of trading illegally, echoed Duncan's sentiments.

“This is the continuation of apartheid policies and I assure you that the ANC government will not succeed in its attempts to silence the voice of reason and dehumanise us because our rights are clearly enshrined in the Constitution,” he said on condition of anonymity.

The march culminated in the Gauteng Legislature, where protesters handed over a memorandum of grievances to a representative of Gauteng MEC for community safety Firoz Cachalia.

Similar events took place around the country, notably in Cape Town, where protesters were to come face-to-face with minister Nqakula and in the Free State, where protesters were to convene in Harrismith to commemorate the death of Teboho Mkhonza, who was shot dead by cops on 30 August 2004 during a service delivery protest.

Postponed

Free State participants were scheduled to meet at Mkhonza family's house, visit the site of the shooting and later proceed to the young man's grave.

“Unfortunately, KwaZulu-Natal's event was postponed due to logistical difficulties,” FXI's Virginia Magwaza-Setshedi said.