From the editor’s desk: Shutdown fear unfounded
It will be interesting to see what happens in the year's elections. I truly hope that we all can stand together again and make the right choice.
The national shutdown saw businesses closing doors and employees gain an additional day off. A lot of fear was instilled in us all, which proved to be unfounded.
I read on social media that there was a low turn-out to the shutdown and that many people regarded the day as unsuccessful, but, in my humble opinion, I think it was still a success. Why, you ask?
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Regardless of whether there were chaos or not, EFF leader Julius Malema, or Dilemma as I call him, still managed to shut down the country. Business owners still had to close doors for one day, resulting in revenue loss.
Many employees opted to stay at home in fear of being victimised, or had to take a day’s unpaid leave. So, by all accounts, Dilemma won. He cited the small turnout due to cancelled buses. It’s so ironic.
The only bonus to this was that very few areas were affected. I heard there was quite an uproar in Pretoria, but for the most part, people viewed the day as an extended holiday, which resulted in a long weekend. I also understand that some people had to take a formal day’s leave, while others managed to work from home.
I also read that Dilemma is now calling for those people who were arrested, to be released as soon as possible. A bit of a cheek if you ask me.
I drove to Johannesburg last week, and came back again on Human Rights Day. I took some extra precautions that in the event of a riot, I would have enough time to get back home.
Driving to Jhb, the roads were extremely busy with trucks lining the left hand lane almost bumper to bumper. Fortunately, on the way back, traffic was a breeze and it was a smooth ride.
I am happy with the fact that people stood together and spent the day in harmony. I think the majority of South African just had enough of Dilemma and his handful of followers.
Until next week, stay safe and be kind to one another.
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