Franschhoek is welcoming village, but on Monday, 10 April, our country’s kleptocracy would have felt decidedly less than welcome here. At noon a large crowd – many dressed in black – gathered in front of the Town Hall in mostly silent protest at what our own ‘dear leader’ and his acolytes had wrought.
While villagers from all walks of life stood in protest, some holding placards voicing their sentiments, tourists passing by on foot and in tourist coaches signalled their interest and support by giving the crowd the thumbs up and taking photos to share with friends and family back home.
The SAPS and municipal law enforcement maintained a low profile throughout the protest. Thankfully their services weren’t required. Also maintaining a low profile was Stellenbosch Mayor, Adv Gesie van Deventer, who quietly joined the protest after spending the morning in meetings in Franschhoek.
