Pro-Palestine march sparks controversy over traffic disruptions in Sea Point
Cape Town - An Atlantic Seaboard resident who has demanded action from Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, Premier Alan Winde and DA leader John Steenhuisen, among others, over street racing and noise pollution from luxury cars in Sea Point, said in his latest complaint that a pro-Palestine march that took place on Sunday caused a traffic jam and gridlock.
A pro-Palestine expert has in turn said the march and protest caused no disruptions and supporters were often attacked and abused in the area, stating that everyone had freedom of speech and movement.
Two weeks ago, the Cape Argus shared resident Grant Richardson’s concerns regarding the decade-long battle to end drag racing along the Atlantic Seaboard strip, which had resulted in many accidents.
Richardson has penned several letters to authorities, attaching photographs and videos of the vehicles as proof.
The City earlier said in their response that residents who have a complaint should report it with traffic officials at their emergency portal, and did not respond on the latest query regarding the march when deadline was reached.
Richardson wrote: “The City has received multitudes of complaints along with supporting videos over this time period, all to no avail and falling on deaf ears Things came to a head with a pro-Palestine protest named ‘make some noise’. The City was very much aware of this protest - but importantly, the intention to create a noise nuisance for the purpose of disturbing residents. The protest also created complete gridlock on Beach Rd in Sea Point.”
Hill-Lewis, Winde and Steenhuisen’s offices told the Cape Argus they could not respond to the queries as it was a municipality issue.
The Palestine Run flyer was shared by Richardson to the various authorities and did not have details of the organiser listed in order to gain comments.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign's Professor Usuf Chikte said no disturbance was caused and that often Palestine supporters were attacked while carrying out their plight.
“From information obtained, there was no disruption, cars went through a road block, law enforcement was there, no issues picked-up with the vehicles, there is no restriction on where one can drive particularly on public roads,” he said.
“This complaint, on the other hand, highlight the recent experiences of pro-Palestinian supporters in the Sea Point area, which are extremely concerning.
“We have obtained reports of assaults, racial smears, verbal abuse, Islamophobia, and attempts to restrict movement and freedom of expression are unacceptable and reminiscent of apartheid-era tactics.
“The call for racialised curfews, allegedly due to noise pollution and traffic congestion, is particularly disturbing.
“This excuse has been used historically to justify discriminatory policies and maintain apartheid-style privilege.
“It's essential to recognise that Sea Point is not Tel Aviv, and such attempts to restrict freedoms and create racialised enclaves will not be tolerated.
“The fact that these incidents of shrinking spaces for the expression of free speech and movement, which are occurring despite the presence of law enforcement, is alarming.
“It's crucial to hold authorities accountable for ensuring public safety and protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs and not protecting racialised class privilege and persons who support apartheid in South Africa and Israel as well as the genocide of Palestinians by Israel.
“These events highlight the ongoing struggle against racism and discrimination in post-apartheid South Africa. Apartheid did not die, at least not entirely.”