As the Black Lives Matter protests unfolded in the United States and across the world after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police, politicians and other leaders here in South Africa echoed the hashtag and decried police brutality. When we witnessed scenes of protestors in the US being beaten, teargassed and pepper-sprayed by police while protesting peacefully, our minds and eyes were drawn closer to home. What does Black Lives Matter mean in South Africa? Does it have resonance here, and are politicians and leaders being truthful and consistent about honouring the lives of their fellow black citizens and Africans as their hashtag activism would have us believe?
In this clip, Ayanda and Dambudzo try to push beyond the rhetoric and look at many instances of police misconduct and excessive use of force that raise questions about policing in South Africa and our commitment to honouring the marginalised.
Find us:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/walking_on_water_mzansi/
Email - walkingonwatermzansi@gmail.com
Links to resources:
- Article on Collins Khosa and his death at the hands of the SANDF - https://www.iol.co.za/sundayindependent/news/sandf-report-on-the-death-of-collins-khosa-a-sham-49083492
- Article on statistics of police misconduct based on the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) - https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2018-10-02-ipid-paints-a-grim-picture-in-2017-18-558-deaths-from-police-action-and-201-deaths-in-custody/#gsc.tab=0
- Article on alleged police brutality - https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/saps-rape-gender-based-violence-langa-khayelitsha-gbv-30-june-2020/
- Article on statistics concerning police officers killed while on or off duty - https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-09-12-crimestats-police-murders-down-most-cops-are-killed-while-off-duty/
- Article on police and use of deadly force - https://www.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/News/use-deadly-force-to-protect-yourselves-against-criminals-cele-tells-cops-20191224
Music:
Stevener - Black Excellence 600
