Hundreds support Plett leg of Move One Million

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PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Hundreds of Plettenberg Bay residents supported the global Move One Million protests.

About 400 locals made their way through the town's streets between 10:00 and 12:00 and gathered in the main street to make their voices heard.

"Since March 2020, our leaders have been patronising us, instead of protecting us," said Move One Million founder Jarette Petzer in a statement. "What began as a reasonable approach to keeping South Africa safe under lockdown has turned into a looting frenzy, in which billions of rand have gone missing. Enough is enough!

"We reject the escalating violent crimes and gender-based violence. We reject the racial baiting and divisive narratives. We reject ongoing poverty, finger pointing, and the lack of accountability. The people have, for too long, obeyed a government that divides us, instead of unites us."

Photo gallery: Move One Million protest in Plett

In Plettenberg Bay activities included a drum call and a song, 26 Years Later, written and sung by resident Jeremy Esterhuizen.

Residents lined the streets in Plettenberg Bay on Saturday to make their voices heard.

Local demonstration organiser Jacqui de Villiers said she was overwhelmed by the support for the initiative and believed it has started a "ripple effect".

"I'm sure there will be many spin-offs," De Villiers added.

Protester Nicole Barnard said she decided to take part as she, like most South Africans, were tired of feeling helpless. "We just sit back and watch how our beautiful country is being plundered. It is time for us to no longer sit back, but to get up and demand that our leaders rule our country responsibly. We deserve better," she said.

Another participant, Mario Phillips, said it was time for the power to be shifted. "I think government forgets that it is the people who have entrusted them to rule the country effectively. We cannot allow them to ruin our country. We need to address the issues we are facing as we need to think about our children's futures," he said.

Hundreds of Plettenberg Bay residents joined the Move One Million campaign. Photos: Ewald Stander