The anti-land grab was in reference to pronouncements by other organisations to forcibly take land which they deemed a right in an attempt to correct the wrongs of the past; while the anti looting was in reference to recent lawless acts of breakins at foreign-owned shops.
The media had captured images of women and children in Soweto stealing goods from the shops. A boy reportedly died in one of the incidents when a shop owner allegedly shot at the marauding crowds. The shop owner was arrested and is out on bail. Some of the perpetrators of the thefts have been arrested and stolen goods recovered.
Similar incidents, said not to be co-ordinated, are reported to have occurred in KwaZulu-Natal where people are said to have died; and in the Western Cape.
The march condemned both acts and said they trashed the country and continent’s image. Addressing the marchers, ANCYL provincial chairperson Mathome Chiloane said, “These acts were justifiable in the past when citizens where fighting for their freedom, but now, with democracy, they are unacceptable as they can sow anarchy in the country.”
He said government had established frameworks and platforms to resolve problems, and urged the branches to encourage residents to use them and to lead processes of addressing communities’ basic needs.
“Branches should heighten their conscience of development challenges and be in the forefront of endeavours towards economic freedom,” said Chiloane.
Branch treasurer Mthokoziai Kambule said the intended land grabs and lootings were criminals acts disguised as economic freedom. “They risk people’s lives and [cause] loss of property. The march sought to raise public awareness on the need for restraint against criminality. This, especially, as government has plans on the use of the land for local development and household needs.”
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