Take a stand against corruption

ORGANISATIONS gathered on Saturday in a united stand against corruption in South Africa and set about planning an event which will take place in the Durban CBD on Wednesday, 30 September from noon till 2pm.

Representatives from Arise and Act for a Just Society, Right2Know, Awethu, the United Front, the Aids Foundation and Students for Law and Social Justice, gathered at St Joseph's Church in Morningside to discuss the event, where, together with other like-minded organisations and concerned residents plan to make their voices heard by local government.

Roy Chetty from Arise and Act said the stand against corruption in KZN was beginning to mushroom and grow. He added that the Durban event was in line with Unite Against Corruption events which will be held in Johannesburg and Cape Town on 30 September.

“It is starting to grow here. The Legal Resources Centre has now allocated a lawyer to deal with difficulties with authorising notices to picket or march for this cause. It is good to have a legal team on board and the broader United Front backing us,” he said.

The main focus of the meeting was to discuss a way forward for the event on 30 September. It was noted final arrangements would be concluded by 25 September.

“We want to incite all South Africans, especially the poor, to get behind this cause. We have many different organisations working together in this, to try put an end to corruption in the country,” said Chetty.

Michael Naidoo from Awethu, said local communities were encouraged to join in, whether this was a march or a picket at Durban City Hall.

“This is an united front, standing together against corruption and rebelling against the powers that be. Corruption has to do with the system, and the system needs to be changed,” he said.

Eric Tate from Arise and Act said he hoped the event would draw people from around Durban to join in.

“This is not a once-off event, we are not stopping, we can't allow people to get away with corruption, it needs to be ongoing,” he said.

Tate said after the march there would be a need for community members to be engaged with, and educated on this issue.

Sbonisa Kheswa from Students for Law and Social Justice at UKZN said the organisation was joining the cause because corruption was such a problem in the country.

“We as a group are trying to change the perception of law being only for the elite, and to give all people access to law, as their constitutional right. Students for Law and Social Justice at UKZN recognises and supports initiatives such as this” he said.

Final details of the event will be posted on Berea Mail's website by Monday next week. Residents are urged to join the growing movement and take a stand against corruption in the country.