South Africa's Civil Service Protests

Only when protests turn violent do we begin to start debating the merits about the cause which is being protested. This specific negotiation begun before the World Cup. A decision was taken to halt the negotiations until the end of the World Cup. A month of celebration and enjoyment showcased the capacity of South Africa to the world.

However, only the elites were afforded the opportunity to attend the matches and indulge in the fan fair that was the World Cup. The South African population gathered in groups and watched in community venues and shebeens because they dont own televisions.

I understand that the perspectives given regarding the negative effects of the strike and the impact it has on peoples lives. But assuming that civil servants have no humanity is an inhuman statement in itself.

We sitting from a privileged position of comfort and ease and we think it gives us the right to pass judgement. Pass judgement on a group/class of people that work crazy hours for a meager salary. This is focusing more on the hospital staff.

An important point of reflection is trying to understand what would drive individuals to this point. We witnessing the impact and seeing the visuals through the media. Many of you are witnessing the results directly and have first hand accounts of whats happening.

But i think that its important to note that we dont witness first hand the lives of these individuals and the hardships they have to deal with. The media doesnt focus on the Nurse that spends 12 hours at work and has to catch 2 taxis to get home. There is no thought about their families and the impact it has on their loved ones.

I understand that we all have opinions about the protest action. Bare in mind that strikes are the last resort. Negotiations failed and this is the result. Its not the first point of call.

I do not condone that people are being blocked from receiving medical attention. But i do believe that protesting for higher salaries by civil servants is necessary.

We need to show solidarity with the civil servants.

At the very least, we need to put ourselves in their shoes and truly understand the strategy and behaviour by the protesters.

Maybe its the socialist in me coming out. Or maybe its just my humanist side believing that we all have the right to a life with dignity.

After all, isnt that what we were promised after apartheid.