Route for March Changed Due to Alleged ANC Threats of Violence

The ‘March for Change’ route has been changed after alleged threats of violence from the ANC’s Youth League, as well as certain branches within the ANC.

The DA says that following a meeting yesterday with the South African Police Service (SAPS), they were informed that SAPS would not be able to protect marchers and ensure their safety.

“Therefore in order to ensure a safe, inclusive and non-partisan march which caters for all South Africans, the DA has taken a decision to amend the route and gathering point of our March for Change this Friday 7 April 2017,” said DA leader Mmusi Maimane.

The March for Change will now begin at the Westgate Transport Hub at 10h00 on Friday morning, and will end at Mary Fitzgerald Square, Johannesburg.

Maimane said: “We once again call on all South Africans from all political persuasions to join us as we march through the streets of Johannesburg this Friday. I have this week extended invitations to members of civil society and the business community to join us.”

He said the March for Change has one clear goal: to unite South Africans across race, culture, religion and political affiliation in calling for Jacob Zuma to be removed as President.

Meanwhile, the South African government says this coming Friday is a normal working day, despite social media messages calling for a shutdown (separate to the DA’s call).

The department’s acting Director General Donald Liphoko said whilst the public has a democratic right to embark on protest action, government does not support acts of civil disobedience and the actions of a select few to infringe on the constitutional rights of the majority.

He urged the public to rather engage in dialogue.

Sources: SANews and DA.

#MarchForChange pic.twitter.com/EQKmPyafKz

— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) April 4, 2017