As the saying goes talk is cheap, the real value lies in what you do about something. This was at the heart of Archbishop Thabo Makgobaâs message yesterday at the Anti-Corruption march, which took place in Cape Town and Pretoria. Makgoba talks about âpro-courageâ and says itâs time Government and business was put to task âhow long are we going to allow our morally corrupt leaders intimidate us into silence?â. The march may yet be the making of South Africaâs young democracy. But given government’s response to the Hitachi corruption scandal, the populous may have to do more and vote with their thumbs to bring any about any change. â Stuart Lowman
Cape Town – It was time to stop talking about corruption and start acting with courage.
This was the message from Archbishop Thabo Makgoba at an anti-corruption march outside parliament on Wednesday.
“We need to stop marching against corruption. Yes, you heard me right. We need stop debating and discussing anti-corruption.
“We need to start being pro-courage,” he told the crowd.
“How long are we going to allow our morally corrupt political and business leaders to intimidate us into silence?
Read also:Â Anti-Corruption March could be the making of SAâs young democracy
“I want to address President Jacob Zuma and our political leaders: you are responsible to lead us.
“More than that, we have allowed you to do this.
“How much longer must South Africans daily experience a lack of transparency?”
Thousands of marchers joined the archbishop among many other civil society groups for a planned march to parliament in Cape Town.
The group United Against Corruption were joined by many civil groups on their march to Parliament, including Right2Know, Sweat and the newly-formed Democratic Municipal and Allied Workers of South Africa (Demawusa).
Makgoba addressed his final words to the crowd, once again stressing the need for courage.
“A corrupter plus a corruptee equals corruption,” he said to laughs from the crowd.
Read also:Â Vavi on SA: âA kleptocracy led by thievesâ â corruption cost R700bn in 20yrs
“No to corruption and yes to corruption'” he ended.
“We need to begin a new era of courage.”
The march ended at around 13:30 on Wednesday, due to Parliament’s closure.
The group plans to conduct another march to Parliament on October 14, where it hopes to hand over its demands.
