South Africans gathered in solidarity today at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to take a stand against crime in the country's first ever Million Man March.

Attendance was far off the million mark, with an estimated five thousand South Africans assembled on the lawns of the Union Buildings, but this did not deter those present from expressing their feelings towards crime levels in the country.

Many arrived with posters stating: "Ons is Moeg, Genoeg is Genoeg", "We need action not quiet diplomacy", "Robbed 24 Times" and "Evil Prevails when Good Men Do Nothing."

Protesters represented South Africans from all walks of life who were eager to declare their reasons for participating.

"It's time to take a stand for what we believe in," said 23 year old Duduzile Mabaso.

"Those who stand for nothing fall for anything," concurred Mabaso's friend, Aldrean Makwarela.

"The death sentence is executed everyday, just on the wrong people," said theatre and screen actor Simon Bruinders.

Fourteen year old Sean Mashimbye who came to the march by himself said, "I decided to take a stand. If criminals can see what other people feel then they might change their ways."

Members of the Democratic Alliance, including leader Helen Zille, and representatives from the Independent Democrats and AZAPO were among the political parties who participated in the march, displaying a united front against crime.

March organiser, actor Desmond Dube, hosted the event which included speeches from church leaders and victims of crime.

Among those who addressed the crowd was Letta Mofokeng, wife of Bashimane Mofokeng who was shot in a robbery in March this year. It was the death of Bashimane, a close friend of Dube's that inspired the actor to initiate the Million Man March.

Mrs Mofokeng expressed her concerns that crime is ruining our society. "Our children are not enjoying the freedom we fought for," she said.

Dr Michael Cassidy, head of African Enterprise Ministries, delivered a heartfelt appeal to all men to recognise the importance of family structures in the fight against crime.

The March culminated in the handover of a memorandum calling for action against crime. Minister of Correctional Services Ngconde Balfour accepted the memorandum on behalf of President Thabo Mbeki.

Mbeki's absence at the march was a source of frustration for many. "This is not good enough; we need to know that the President is listening to us,"  said Agrineth Ntuli, a primary school teacher from Pretoria.

The march ended in a spirit of togetherness. Following the singing of the National Anthem, an emotional Dube thanked all those who had shown their support for the Million Man March.

As the crowd slowly began to make their way from the Union Buildings, 60 year old Louis Bredenkamp said, "I've been shot twice and my business in KwaNdebele gets robbed three times a year. That's the reason why I came here today. It was worth it to be here - it was a good show of solidarity."

Source: South Africa: The Good News