Hear the groaning of a protesting nation

Every day there is some or other protest action as the nation clearly calls out for some kind of action, and action needs to be taken fast.

Such frustration is going to spill over and impact on investor confidence. Already rating agency Moody is reviewing South Africa’s position, and we may be heading for junk status soon.

And why not? It seems service delivery has already sunk to junk status, while criminals are making sure we feel like we live in a junkyard as they continue to pillage and loot.

This is an election year, so naturally a lot of protests will be politically motivated, but there are also a lot of other, smaller protests happening, which should signal to the government that the people of an ailing Rainbow Nation simply have had enough.

Time after time the Advertiser will receive a call about how bad this city is, how bad the service delivery is, and how it seems this tidal wave of shameful governance keeps building steam unchecked.

As mentioned, a protest is not necessarily a large group of people coming together to burn tyres.

Such violent protests are already evident across the country at tertiary institutions, and it happens a lot right here in the Boksburg townships.

One can never condone such action, but it is understandable – if people have to live their whole lives without the basic service of running water or a decent, functioning toilet then, of course, they will rise up.

Ultimately, unemployment fuels the frustration on the streets, and it fuels lawlessness and disorder. Again, the ball is in the court of government to correct this social ill.

But, there is also the more silent protest, which is reflected in people speaking out in a more civil manner. Yet, the level of frustration remains and is clearly evident.

One such protest is against all the illegal posters on lampposts and electricity boxes and who knows where else across our city, where the Lake of Doom keeps piling up with bodies.

And these posters are advertising all kinds of weird and wacky services, such as enlargements to a certain male part. Just apply an ointment, and all that rubbish.

Such vulgar advertising leaves a bitter taste in the mouth and it is an eyesore to the aesthetics of Boksburg, especially the CBD. It should rightfully be addressed and dismantled quickly.

Lately, the EMPD has been tackling illegal posters in the city, but it seems the war, like the fight against drugs, is not going well.

Take down one poster now and then another poster will be in its place by tomorrow. Just like drug dealers who pop up like mushrooms.

Then there are the continuous protests in the community over the municipality failing to act when it comes to water leaks, blocked sewer drains, potholes (this matter has gone quiet) and general bad service delivery at municipal institutions.

The latest report of Corruption Watch shows that, in 2015, more than 10 000 people reported matters of corruption.

Even though this is absolutely shocking, showing how, indeed, the love of money is at the root of all evil, it also portrays that the people of this democracy have had enough of such crimes and are protesting.

And then you get the more peace-loving protesters, such as those in Cape Town, who are willing to strip down naked to ride a bicycle to plead for the planet, to look after the environment.

Yes, such crazy antics do exist, also apparently overseas, and are called the Naked Bike Ride. To be honest, I don’t think it makes any difference if you strip down – you might as well keep your clothes on for such an effort.

Many onlookers will most likely appreciate a bit more clothing and, after all, the seat of a bike is uncomfortable enough! I, personally, hope something like this doesn’t happen in Boksburg – a fleshy impression is not always welcoming.

But yes, the Naked Bike Ride, Corruption SA’s report, service delivery protests and the cries for law and order are all signs of a nation that seeks to express increasing levels of agitation.

The government, I hope, is aware of the nation’s protest – be it among the masses or the individuals who cannot tolerate their rights being trampled on.

For this reason the Gauteng Province, according to the latest budget, will be spending a lot on education and health, to address the frustration.

Sadly, however, Human Settlements receive only six per cent of the pie, which does not bode well for addressing the housing backlog. It is, therefore, wonderful to see almost 700 000 new voters registering. After all, every vote counts and one such vote is a protest on its own against things that simply do not work any more.

This is also why the municipal elections do matter. It is a chance for the masses to truly express their frustration.

Let us just hope sanity and rational passion prevail when the elections do arrive, or do I protest too much?