A group of civil rights organisations led by the Thuthuka Movement Civic Organisation will march to the Union Buildings in an attempt to halt next year’s general elections.
The march is scheduled to take place on November 9, and has been approved by the Tshwane Metro Police Department for a route along Madiba Street in Pretoria.
Speaking to Sunday World on Friday, Zwelethu Nkalitshana, director of the Thuthukani Movement Civic Organisation, confirmed that several organisations including Operation Dudula Movement will take part in the march.
Grievances
The organisation’s decision to take to the streets stems from a deep-seated discontent with several laws that they believe are harm the country and destroy the youth.
One of the driving issues of the planned protest is their objection to pensioners, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, contesting elections.
They view their participation as an insult to the nation and a violation of the youth’s right to hold positions of power.
Nkalitshana said: “They don’t want to retire but to be always in power until they die, same as the late Mr Robert Mugabe [who rule Zimbabwe for over 30 year].”
The organisation contends that it is time the country is led by young and capable people. “The parliamentarians are incapable, they are old and worn out,” Nkalitshana said.
Illegal immigrants
He emphasised that the same old people have set laws restricting individuals over 36 years old from occupying government jobs, noting that the restrictions contribute to poverty and violate the rights of those who are struggling to make ends meet.
“Over 36 years [old people] are not allowed to get government jobs, but pensioners still hold higher positions in the government.”
The group will also be marching against the presence of illegal immigrants, arguing that the foreigners who are in the country illegally threaten the future of South African youth.
“We do not want illegal immigrants in our country as they occupy our jobs, buildings, cities, businesses, and engage in criminal activities,” he said.
Sunday World understands that the group plan to deliver a memorandum to Ramaphosa and government officials, urging them to stop the 2024 elections until the concerns of voters have been addressed.
Nkalitshana declared: “This is a call for all South Africans to unite and fight for their rights.”
