Update, 13 September, 11.30am
#SandtonShutdown organisers handed over a memorandum of demands to Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) CEO Nicky Newton-King. Some of the demands included efforts by business to fund organisations that fight gender-based violence and ways the private sector needs to address the gender pay gap.
Newton-King said it is shameful that 25 years after democracy, women in the workplace can’t be themselves, saying the memorandum makes some powerful points.
Watch as she addresses protesters:
Dear private sector, your silence is uncomfortable – Mandisa Khanyile #SandtonShutdown @Sandton_News pic.twitter.com/0u8yIKgv53
— Chanté Ho Hip (@Chante_Poppie) September 13, 2019
Initial report, 13 September, 6.30am
Following the recent brutal rape and murder of a University of Cape Town student, Uyinene Mrwetyana (19), who was killed by a 42-year-old post office worker, a ‘coalition’ of 70 civil society activist groups, including Rise Up Against Gender-Based Violence and Sonke Gender Justice, under the hashtag, #SandtonShutdown have gathered in Sandton from as early as 3am on 13 September.
Sandton Chronicle journalist Chante Ho Hip said that JMPD is present at every robot on William Nicol Drive in Sandton.
“We are not activists. Circumstances have forced us to become activists” @Sandton_News #SandtonShutdown pic.twitter.com/PcXBlNCVBG
— Chanté Ho Hip (@Chante_Poppie) September 13, 2019
6 hours in and stronger than ever. The chants can be heard from the corner of Maude and West street #SandtonShutdown @Sandton_News pic.twitter.com/dspWgTrHWH
— Chanté Ho Hip (@Chante_Poppie) September 13, 2019
We share a moment of silence and rememberance for the women we have lost as a result of gender based violence #SandtonShutdown @Sandton_News pic.twitter.com/RX7trP191C
— Chanté Ho Hip (@Chante_Poppie) September 13, 2019
We are still waiting for you! Woza!#SANDTONSHUTDOWN pic.twitter.com/DqyQfNffG9
— ActionAid South Africa (@AA_SouthAfrica) September 13, 2019
Watch as Mfuni Xolo explain why she is at the protest:
Corporate South Africa are not innocent bystanders in this war on us. We are here to hold them to account. #SandtonShutdown #PayThePatriarchyTax #IWontBeNext pic.twitter.com/4Q9r44INnx
— #TheTotalShutdown (@WomenProtestSA) September 13, 2019
We will be heard! #SandtonShutdown @Sandton_News pic.twitter.com/UNky8Rw2RZ
— Chanté Ho Hip (@Chante_Poppie) September 13, 2019
According to a statement released by the City of Johannesburg, the organised protest is led by various organisations and civil society.
JMPD’s Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said that the demonstrators are expected to march to the CBD.
Roads to avoid include:
- Rivonia Road with be blocked between 5th Street and Grayston Drive
- Maude Street will be blocked from Gwen Lane
- West Street will also be affected as they also want to hand over a memorandum to the JSE.
- Fredman Drive and Rivonia Road
- Gwen Lane and Fredman Drive
- West Street and Maude Street.
Minnaar also said that approximately 10 000 protesters will be dropped off at Mushroom Park and buses will park at George Leah Park.
Minnaar added that authorities will be visible and ensure traffic is directed effectively to prevent congestion in all major routes into Sandton and around it.
“Motorists should avoid those streets from 3am until 2 pm tomorrow afternoon,” emphasised Minnaar.
Sandton Chronicle will be posting live updates as well as traffic advisories, follow us @Sandton_News.
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