Move One Million Unites South Africans Against Corruption

When the citizens of your country are being held hostage by corrupt and inept politicians there are two things you can do. You can take a seat, keep quiet and watch South Africa burn to the ground or you can take a stand and challenge the system.

For the members of the Move One Million movement, which was formed in mid-July, the choice was obvious: Unite and fight!

The movement has already attracted more than 450,000 members to its main Facebook group. The purpose of the group is clearly stated in its ‘About’ section which includes the following:

‘We are in a battle for the heart and soul of South Africa. We cannot allow ourselves to be paralyzed by fear for one more minute…

The time is now for us to unite from all corners of the globe and show solidarity against a bent and corrupt system that can no longer be allowed to have its way with the future of our people and the future leaders that follow.

Either we stand together united as one, or we fall divided as individuals. The time for sitting on the fence is over…’

The movement, which is spearheaded by Jarette Petzer, is calling on all South Africans, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation, to join hands and partake in a worldwide peaceful protest on 5 September 2020.

‘ Our aim is to get ONE MILLION people to take hands in peaceful protest across the country and abroad. To show our force, we need not raise our voice. The sheer numbers of purposeful protestors alone will make a statement that the world will not be able to ignore.’

Marches for 5 September are being planned all across South Africa as well as in an ever-increasing number of foreign countries including the UK, USA, the Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, and Germany. A number of peaceful protests have also already taken place across the country with members eagerly sharing their photos and videos on social media. South Africans living abroad have flooded the various social media platforms with messages of support.

‘Circumstances may have led to us being away from you, but You will always be the very essence of who we are as a people.
Will Always Love you madly’ – Androniki Maniatis, Cyprus

‘Supporting South Africa from Queensland Australia. Stay safe!’ – Brenda De Pol Cope, Australia

‘Support the most beautiful country in the world from Ireland’ – Arauna Gordon, Ireland

Photo courtesy of Marinda Kotze

‘Through the help of a carefully constructed plan, we will leverage all of our partner platforms, groups, and associations along with both local and international press for this event (or events), where we will deliver our expectations. We will develop these with the help of the public.’

There are a number of ways to create awareness apart from participating in the global marches planned for 05 September.

Tie black and white ribbons around your post box, a tree, or your gate as a display of your solidarity.
Organise a slow drive in your neighbourhood, town or city
Put your creativity to good use and organize a flash mob at a local shopping centre
Support a charitable cause

However you choose to participate, please remember to adhere to all Covid-19 regulations including social distancing.

Photo courtesy of Denis Murphy

Apart from offering a range of merchandise including t-shirts, caps, and buffs in the #ImStaying online shop, artwork has also been made available to anyone wanting to print shirts, posters, and banners themselves.

With just over two weeks to go until the march, South Africans are urged to rally as much support as possible behind a cause that can see South Africa become safer, increasingly inclusive, and more prolific than ever before.

Feature image courtesy of Diane Wanfor Photography

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