Most people knew that last week’s Total Shutdown protest would degenerate into violence, intimidation and vandalism.
Except the organisers, it seems.
I have no doubt that a criminal element hijacked some of the protest action, but again, precedent dictates what was to be expected.
Now the City has decided to take both criminal and civil action against the organisers.
And like I always say, people have a predictable tendency to suddenly see reason, the moment you threaten their pockets.
The fact is, even if the City’s court action fails, the organisers will still have to spend a lot of money to defend themselves in court.
And it’s not exactly a case where lawyers will be lining up to do pro bono.
So in a nutshell, the actions by the group calling itself G@tvol Capetonian, may have again been in vain.
Let me take a moment to speak to the organisers directly.
I don’t think many people dispute the legitimacy of your grievances.
It’s a shameful fact that thousands of people have been waiting for decent housing for far too long.
But it’s also a fact that it’s not my fault, so I should not be punished.
Preventing me from going to work, traumatising my kids on the way to school or damaging my vehicle doesn’t get you any closer to your goal, because you are preaching to the choir.
You would get a lot more sympathy from me and others in other ways; by lobbying my support, or convincing me to fight alongside your cause.
Threatening my income or my life through your actions is not a very good strategy.
If you want to shut down access to the people’s homes or places of work, may I suggest you target the politicians?
Go protest in front of Parliament, or the Western Cape legislature.
Make their lives uncomfortable for a few days, and you may just convince me to come join you; and even raise funds to help defend you in cour