Anti-corruption march: 'SA needs to be morally disinfected'
Simultaneous marches are being held in PTA and CT as a show of force against corruption in SA.
JOHANNESBURG -The Pretoria leg of the Unite Against Corruption march has now arrived at the Union Buildings, where demonstrators have heard messages of support from Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and a prayer that corrupt leaders suffer sleepless nights and step down.
#UAC Desmond Tutu message: Those who assign resources based on proximity to power are no better than those who assign it based on race. GW
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) September 30, 2015
Simultaneous marches are being held in Pretoria and Cape Town this afternoon as a show of force against corruption.
President of the Council of Churches Bishop Ziphozihle Siwa started his speech by asking God to punish leaders who are corrupt and cleanse South Africa of them.
"I stand here to say that in the name God, may they not sleep well until there is change."
Section 27 leader Mark Heywood warned the Presidency that civil society groups will not stop campaigning against corruption.
"The message I want to give is that if we don't get a response to these demands, we will be back here and we will fill these lawns."
The crowd of about 3, 000 people have also heard speeches from Zwelinzima Vavi, Bishop Jo Seoka and Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema.
[WATCH] #UAC Former Cosatu General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi addresses marchers at the Union Buildings. VM pic.twitter.com/3uB57soreM
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) September 30, 2015
In Cape Town, Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba has said South Africans need to recapture the South African dream.
"Our country, because of the ethical state of the nation, needs to be morally disinfected so we can recapture the dream of the South Africa we want."
Various faith based organisations and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), including the Right to Know campaign and Sonke Gender Justice, were among the organisations participating in the peaceful protest.
Placard-wielding demonstrators carried posters displaying several messages reading "People Before Profit"and "Enough With Corruption".
#UAC "Government Corruption Robs Us All," according to a protester's placard. SS pic.twitter.com/ilkvCBxpw0
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) September 30, 2015
About 1, 500 marchers hit the pavement in support.
Reverend Barry Isaacs, who represents the Consultation of Christian Churches, compared corruption to an illness.
"Corruption is not just only within government, it is basically in every domain. It is a contagious disease that is impacting our nation in a very negative way. We are totally against it."
WATCH: The people are gatvol of corruption.
KODWA ADDS HIS VOICE TO THE CALL TO END CORRUPTION
The African National Congress' Zizi Kodwa Kodwa says that the ruling party should embrace the message of the march, as it is not an anti-government demonstration.
"It's becoming a vibration, every corner and everybody is coming to appreciate that indeed we have a cancer that we must deal with. It's not only government, but civic society that is very active; we have a very strong NGO sector in South Africa."
