Against the backdrop of yet another downgrade, as Fitch ratings agency dropped South Africa to junk status, the masses took to the streets of Cape Town in their leg of support of #NationalShutDown.
Members of the Justmoney (Jm) team both covered and took part in the march that began in Keizergracht street and ended in front of Parliament at around midday.
People of all walks of life, ages, racial divides and economic standings were present as they protested in calling for President Jacob Zuma to step down.
Shops in and around the Central Business District (CBD) have closed their doors for the day as protestors swarmed the streets. For many this has meant putting in a day of leave, and potentially losing out on their daily pay. But few seemed deterred as struggle songs and chanting carried thousands through.
Among the protestors were representatives from various municipalities and civil groups. Police presence was heavy but facilitated in the successful and peaceful march.
“The feel of today is that of 1994, there is a sense of unity and togetherness and gees like there was then. This is truly a beautiful thing to watch,” said one protestor.
The protests are being echoed all over the country today with the blockading of national and main roads.
With the calls of #SaveSouthAfrica and #ZumaMustFall splashed across placards and tshirts, the support for this movement was tangible.
The Jm team took to asking a few protestors to describe their experience of today’s protest in just one word. Here’s what they had to say:
South Africa made their voice heard today.
Aluta continua.