South Africans are lekker, and we like each other A LOT. We like each other so much that we’re all agreeing that we don’t want a kak corrupt president anymore.
While President Jacob Zuma yesterday slammed last week’s protest marches as “racist”, social media have started sharing the thousand pictures of unity. Opposition parties have also unveiled rolling mass action plans timed to start with the Presidents birthday tomorrow (12 April 2017).
Zuma made his comments at a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the 24th anniversary of assassinated SACP leader Chris Hani’s death.
Zuma said posters at marches on Friday displayed beliefs he thought had died in 1994. He was addressing crowds at the memorial of struggle hero Chris Hani on Monday.
He alleged that some posters depicted black people as baboons.
“It is clear some of our white compatriots regard black people as lesser human beings or subhuman,” Zuma said.
DA spokesperson Phumzile van Damme on Monday slammed President Jacob Zuma’s statement that the recent marches against him were racist.
Van Damme said Zuma’s comments disregard the thousands of South Africans of all races who took part in marches on Friday.
“President Zuma’s comments today [Monday] slamming these mass marches across the country and claiming that they were inspired by racism clearly show that he is out of touch with the South African public’s very valid anger over his destructive leadership,” Van Damme said in a statement.
“His comments also undermine legitimate protests and expose how little he cares about South Africans and their concerns.”
‘Zuma governs like black lives do not matter’
Solly Mapaila, SACP second deputy general secretary has also publicly stated that while of course racism exists in the country, Zuma’s address at the memorial was uncalled for.
“To reduce the recent marches into a racial march is an extremely cheap shot. In fact, at that march, there were a lot of ANC cadres and old former UDF cadres…people who fought for the liberation of this country. And we participated in that and we are not racists.”
South Africans have also taken to social media to showcase the “blatant racism” that was seen at the marches. Brent Lindeque, the founder of GoodThingsGuy posted a status last night which has already been shared over 4000 times.
“Hey Zuma, we caught some of the blatant racism on camera during the marches. Not sure how we’re going to recover from this mess…”
“I mean you, we’re not sure how YOU are going to recover from the mess that you’ve found yourself in. Suddenly the very people that you continuously try to tear apart are standing together, against you.”
“South Africans are lekker, and we like each other A LOT. We like each other so much that we’re all agreeing that we don’t want a kak corrupt president anymore.”
“I was meant to fly down to Durban for a talk on Wednesday… thats how I make my money mostly but I’ve cancelled it and I’m okay with losing a bit of money this month.”
“Instead, I will be taking to the streets again to march with every single opposition party because like South Africans are coming together, so are ALL the opposition parties.”
“More and more South Africans are standing together… against you.”
“Nothing brings people together like a common enemy JZ… and you have done more than enough to our beautiful country to bring A LOT of people together.”
The post received hundreds of supportive comments with South Africans joining the conversation and sharing more photos of the unified marches.
Rosemary Hardy posted: “In this protest against corrupt Zuma, the only race that we see is the Human race, and we will all learn from this, that we will always stand together against evil, we can be different and not mind a bit. Togetherness makes a great country.”
Dikeledi Ramothibe added: “Does he know how to spell racism? Does he know what it means? Any ideas? I see what Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela would be proud of…….The Rainbow Nation standing together against a Dictator….Asshole…..Thief. ….Rapist”
Shazz van der Schyff said: “He did one thing GREAT though lets give him credit! He brought all of us together!”
Sfiso Ndlovu commented: “He defined this as racism, for sure Zuma’s mind is Gupta’s curry infused. Really we need a change!!!! It is nonsense to be lead by someone who has looted our countries precious resources for a plate of curry.”
Check out some of the photos below:
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