A new social justice group has emerged in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) to champion the voice of the people against the gross mismanagement and inefficiency of President Jacob Zuma’s government.
The group known as “For Just One Day” made their first public appearance on June 19th of this year, to create public awareness of their existence. But the planned August 19th protest is said to have the backing of some 29 civil society organizations across the country, coming together to build an alliance against corruption and to demand for social justice from the government.
Social commentators have repeatedly said that the country has been sinking ever since Mr. Zuma took over as president:
Unemployment is on the rise — according to 2013 figures, 25.2% of the 52.98 million people are unemployed. Again, according to a new report issued by the by the International Labour Organization, South Africa will have the 8th highest unemployment rate in the world in 2015. The country was also ranked even more poorly in terms of youth unemployment (6th highest globally), with a rate of 52.5%.
Standard of living is falling at a faster rate and to make matters even worse, President Zuma was said to have used millions of dollars to renovate his private residence while the masses suffer in an abject poverty. According to in-depth research by afraf.oxfordjournals.org, the public opinion in South Africa suggests that political corruption has been entrenched in the country.
“No matter what political party you support, no matter what your age, race, gender, religion or social standing, you know time is running out and now is the time for us to work together in order to rescue South Africa. No matter what your grievance, whether it is e-Tolls, Eskom, Nkandla, crime or blatant unaccountable corruption, you know you need to take a stand and say enough is enough. Even if it is FOR JUST ONE DAY. When we have come together and stood up UNITED against a government that is destroying this country, we can then move forward ONE DAY AT A TIME,” the group wrote on its social media platform to show the unity between the black and white communities to hold their government accountable.
According to their Facebook page, the group is getting stronger day-by-day and it would not be surprising if the planned August 19th protest brings South Africa to a stand-still. From all indications, the group wants to achieve social justice and equal opportunity for citizens. They further added, “Think what a wilder, more brutal, bitter, emasculated place South Africa would be without an independent and critical civil society. Imagine a South Africa without campaigners for social justice. Then, if you have the means and the interests of your country at heart, ask yourself what you can do to invest in social justice.”
We will be following their activities closely and report on the latest progress they will make in subsequent days. On the day of the protest, expect us to update you!
You can also click HERE to support their activities on Facebook if you are in South Africa.
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