Depending on who you ask, last week’s Total Shutdown protest was a dismal failure.
And now another one has been called for this week.
Not even the fact that Police Minister Bheki Cele came to Bonteheuwel to listen to the community’s grievances, can be seen as a positive.
And the reason is that the community’s grievances are not a mystery to the politicians.
The police minister isn’t unaware of Cape Flats communities being overrun by gangsters and their criminal activities.
So the question must be asked: What was he doing there and was he actually paying enough attention to take any action?
Another protest has been called for this week, and this one will be an equal failure. Let me explain.
There’s nothing wrong with the aim of the protests. But the fact is, with the 2019 elections now just months away, it will very soon become a political football if it hasn’t already.
After last week’s protest, both the ANC and the DA were sympathising with our frustrations.
But did either party encourage the police officers on duty to go easy on the protesters?
Did the organisers sit down with all the parties to explain themselves before launching the protest?
I’ve seen the argument that permits shouldn’t be needed since gangsters don’t need permits to commit their crimes.
There is definitely an argument to be made for breaking the law to protest poverty and poor policing.
But then understand the consequences of the actions of those you’re leading.
You cannot prevent others in your community from going to school, work or hospital.
That makes you part of the problem, not the solution.
Better organising, careful planning for considerate protesting will get you a lot more support and sympathy.
The organisers must have known that heavy-handed police action is a possibility.
Meanwhile, the police should’ve understood more clearly what they’re dealing with. These are all truths that need to be analysed and considered. This will undoubtedly happen again. Heaven forbid a fatality in future.
But as long as the interested parties are acting independently in their silos, there will be no positive outcome.
In fact, these protests are simply proving to the authorities and the gang leaders how disorganised and ultimately futile these attempts are.
If protest organisers and political leaders truly want to save lives and uplift the Cape Flats, then they will put their petty political differences aside and find a way to work together.
I say nobody participate in any more protests until every single affected party is involved and supportive of it.
After all, peace is not a partisan issue. Unity is the first step. Without it, you’re just exposing yourself to teargas. For nothing!