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Today will see many of South Africa’s citizens gather to show that they have had enough of poor governance, and it’s sure to be a day that sees the world’s media trained on events here at home.

It will also see many South Africans unsure of exactly what they’re supposed to do – what to bring, what to sing, what signs to wave and the like.

News24 have put together a story titled ‘Protesting for newbies: A how-to guide’, so let’s take a look at what they’re suggesting.

First up you’re not doing anything illegal – despite what the government’s Twitter feed will have you believe, the law is on your side:

The Constitution says that everyone has the right to peacefully assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions. No one may be armed, wear clothing that makes them look like the police or army officials, block entrances to emergency services buildings, or incite violence or hatred.

Play by the rules and we’re all good.

Then there’s what to bring with you:

– Comfortable shoes for walking
– Water
– Snacks (for yourself and to share)
– Sunblock
– A poster with a well-thought out message
– An open mind to understand others
– Rain coat
– Forms of identification
– A scarf to wet and wrap around your face should police use pepper spray or teargas to disperse the crowd

I think one of those above stands out for me, and that’s an open mind to understand others.

Not everyone is on board with these protests, and not everyone protesting comes at this from the same perspective. We touched on an excellent Daily Vox article yesterday, but it bears repeating here:

…when issues that affect black people and other marginalised (but frequently majority) groups in SA come up e.g. Marikana, #FeesMustFall, continuing white racist outbursts, the plight of the rural poor, land, poverty and the inhuman conditions under which most black people live, etc. you can basically hear a pin drop when it comes to white voices speaking up, reaching out, participating in trying to find solutions…

So, the response of white people needs to take this into regard. Sneering at and dehumanising JZ and his acolytes with thinly veiled racialised stereotypes is not the right way to go because it speaks to a broader history of dehumanising black people and acting like they are onnosel. Don’t act like there is not an incredibly painful history here and don’t be self-righteous and insensitive.

Think about what it must be like for a black person who survived apartheid, who fought against unspeakable cruelty that may very well still be persisting in their lives now, and here is a white person giving you the “I told you so!” treatment…

Don’t sing Kumbaya because it is the only frame of reference you have for a group song along with Shosholoza and Ole ole ole! PLEASE DON’T. Rather be quiet or take the opportunity to engage with and participate in a reality that most white South Africans are likely to – still – know very little about.

We are all in this together, but we should also understand that we approach these protests from a number of different perspectives.

So, the singing and chanting:

We’re sure you have no problem figuring out the message you wish to shout out or chant. When it comes to singing though, there is no excuse not to know popular songs when technology, friends and colleagues are at your disposal.

Many songs of hope and struggle that were used successfully to unite people during apartheid continue to be sung today. As media studies researcher and journalist Sisanda Nkoala stated in her paper on struggle songs, the isiXhosa and isiZulu lyrics were deliberately chosen because of their political and linguistic significance.

A fist raised in the air with the word “Amandla” requires you to respond with “Awethu” or “Ngawethu!”

It is a rallying cry that means “power to the people”. Sometimes it means you need to be quiet so someone can speak or give an instruction.

Again, I think it all comes down to showing a degree of respect for one another.

Certain factions of South Africa will be wanting these protests to fail, tensions to boil over, and the message to become obscured.

Do your bit, fly the flag and let’s set the wheels of change in motion.

[sources:news24&dailyvox]