Today, April 7 2017, many South Africans are either in the streets protesting against President Zuma and his government or staying at home.
This is a result of a social media campaign calling on South Africans to shut down the country and take to the streets.
In the Facebook event campaign, “The day SA comes to a standstill #sawillrise“, people would take to the streets from Apr 7 at 9 a.m. to Apr 8 at 9 a.m.
Seventeen thousand South Africans showed there were interested in the event.
The viral campaign called on South Africans to take part in the national shutdown: “Do not go to work, or to school or do anything unless you’re taking to the streets in protest.
Here is the full text:
“Friday the 7th of April is when South Africa will shut down. Every citizen, every city, every one that cares about our country.”
“Not because of any political party but because of South Africans.”
“Do not go to work, or to school or do anything unless you’re taking to the streets in protest.”
“On Friday, the 7th of April South Africans need to take to the streets in masses… wherever you are, with signs of protest to make our collective voice heard.”
“To do this we are giving you information on how to assemble a protest LEGALLY in South Africa”
“Stand with your communities, go to political houses, go to prayer meetings, arrange your own marches. Do whatever you can to make your voice heard.”
“DO NOT BE VIOLENT. DO NOT BLOCK HIGHWAYS. IT IS ILLEGAL AND YOU WILL BE ARRESTED. WE NEED TO DO THIS IN AN ORDERLY FASHION AND WE MUST DO IT CORRECTLY SO AS NOT TO BE LIKE OUR GOVERNMENT THAT DOES THINGS WILLINGLY THAT ARE AGAINST THE LAW!!!”
“We will no longer be supporting corruption and the evil that has plagued our beautiful country. We will be joining a nationwide shutdown.”
“On Friday the 7th of April the people of South Africa, regardless of race, or political affiliation will stand up against Zuma & every single other corrupt official.”
“Together, South Africa will rise!”
The message ended with the hashtags, #ZumaMustFall #SouthAfricaMustRise #WeAreSouthAfricans
It seems that the campaign has been effective as many South Africans have obeyed and taken to the streets to join the national protest.
The power of Social Media!!
