While yesterday’s Unite Against Corruption march might not have brought us the numbers we hoped for – thanks in part to a couple of eleventh-hour obstacles – it was a success in other ways.
It brought a group of widely diverse groups together for a common cause. It garnered substantial media coverage, mostly positive, including international coverage from the likes of Al Jazeera, the Swiss television channel SRF, and a mention on BBC. It has brought the issue of corruption into society’s front yard. It has gained support from the public protector, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and his Tutu Foundation, and a host of other organisations and individuals.
It has even gained the attention of the ruling party. In an awkward statement, the ANC expressed support for initiatives such as the UAC march. “We add our voice that society must not tolerate corruption and must continue with this initiative by exposing it wherever it rears its ugly head … The ANC and government at all remains committed to work with broad societal formations to promote zero tolerance for corruption,” said the party’s spokesperson Zizi Kodwa in a statement.
We’ve captured some of yesterday’s scenes in our picture gallery:
