Go on; Protest!

When South Africa became a democratic country in 1994, the government promised many changes, especially in the quality of their lives. Today, millions of South Africa are still complaining about the same issues. Service delivery is one of their most central complaints.

Service delivery protests have escalated in number and severity over the last few years and they continue at a rate of about 3 000 a year. If it’s not about lack of water, it’s about housing or something else.

For how long should we protest to be heard? Indeed, do we even have to protest to be heard?

That’s the question some of us are asking when municipal governments do not deliver on promises made. Ordinary citizens feel like they have been failed by the government; yet governments claim to be serving them.

Some might say, “Why protest? Why don’t you appreciate what the government has delivered?”

Well, having a tap of dirty water or a tiny, badly built house with no flushing toilet does not mean that the government has done anything we should be grateful for.

South Africans must not settle for mediocre service and their protests are welcome.

It’s obvious that unless South Africans protest, they can’t get anything out of their government. So don’t go blaming them for being rude. They’re just doing what any pissed-off person would do.

•NellyZuluisreadingtowards thePostGraduateDiplomain Journalism&MediaStudiesat RhodesUniversity