2 000 march against capture

ABOUT 2 000 ordinary citizens, civil society and religious fraternity representatives marched to Parliament yesterday against government corruption, state capture and for President Jacob Zuma to step down.

Mcebisi Jonas, the former deputy minister of finance, was among the marchers. “I want to thank the religious community: you stepped in when the country dearly needed you. We need to fight very hard because we cannot allow our freedom to be sold.

“We are gathered here to shape the future of our country and we need take away those that abuse it. This mobilisation of people must continue. After 1994 we demobilised because we pinned our hopes on political parties.

“We need to strengthen civil society and hold political parties accountable, it’s important for society to come together,” he said.

Zackie Achmat from #UniteBehind, said people from Klapmuts, Imizamo Yethu, Worcester, Wolseley, Woodstock, Rawsonville, Ceres and Barrydale attended the march.

Tony Ehrenreich provincial secretary of Cosatu, added: “After 1994, promises to implement the Freedom Charter were made and that the doors of learning shall be opened. And if Zuma is not voted out tomorrow, we will be back here.”

Sharone Daniels from Ocean View, said financial resources were not being spent in their community. “There are no jobs for our youth or programmes to keep them away from gangsterism. Our moms are losing our kids and have to attend their funerals.”

The Bishop of the South African Council of Churches, Ziphozihle Siwa, said “things must change for the better”.