Following the success of the first march in Cape Town to Parliament in solidarity for Palestine, a second march took place on National Womens Day (9 August 2014). This was the biggest protest event ever recorded since the Apartheid March in 1994. It was a hot summers day and though there were people protesting in solidarity for Palestine, it was found that most organisations were about excelling themselves and some were there for fame and fortune. In addition, there was confusion as to where the march would start and this led to people walking and running around like headless chickens for about an hour. Eventually the gathering congregated on Adderley Street with a cycling team leading the way. The cries of Takbeer ‘ Allahu Akbar’ chanted the streets expressing the solidarity and pain of our brothers and sisters in Palestine.
The Humanitarians joined this march for their Solidarity for Peace Campaign, following up from the banner creation. When the group had reached Parliament, various organisations had their say, most were present for the wrong reasons but others focused on the boycotting of Israeli products. From the loud drums of the African National Congress to Boycott Divestment and Sanctions, all organisations turned up summing a crowd of nearly 200 000 people in solidarity for Palestine.
Though there is a cease fire in Gaza by the Israelis at the moment, it does not make up for the 1000’s of innocent women, men and children whom lost their lives. The Humanitarians and other organisations came together for the greater cause which is very important. It doesn’t matter of the background we all have as the common goal is our cause and together we can always make a difference.
Humanitarians in action!
