Marching for peace

Danielle Dooley

As a lead up to International Day of Peace on September 21, a peace walk was held Sunday September 20 to create awareness and join the rest of the Peace One Day supporters around the world with an observance of peace.

It was a call to all South Africans who have had enough of violence in this country to join in a peaceful march in Northriding. Walkers’ wearing white for Peace and red for Life / Love met at River Bend Junction and marched along Witkoppen Road up to Malibongwe, where there were was a canvas of four hardboards prepared for the placing of photographs of loved ones that have lost their lives due to violent crimes.

Photos of loved ones that have been killed in violent crimes were placed on the boards and a minute's silence was held in memory of the lives lost including that of Tracey-Leigh Frankish, who was shot and killed in her Chartwell home during an armed robbery in August, 2009.
The boards were then carried back to Cool Runnings to be mounted onto the stage to serve as a backdrop for speeches and the many great bands which were taking place after the walk.

“Too many of us are affected by violence in South Africa, one way or another and are becoming desensitised and even involved with our violent syndrome.

“Don't know about you, but I no longer want to live in fear,” said Cito, one of the organisers of March for Peace.

“A close friend of mine was shot in the back of the head while her modest home was being burgled. The culprits have since been caught but the problem still exists,” added Cito.
The aim of the walk was to encourage all South Africans to COMMIT TO PEACE.

Commissioner Oswald Reddy, Cluster Commander said he was impressed to see all you young people acting against crime. “I solute you!” he said.
He went on to say that he is sure everyone there has been or knows someone who has been a victim of crime. He said one can never stop doing enough. “Our vision is to create a safe and secure environment in South Africa,” said Commissioner Reddy.
He added that it is fantastic that so many people came together in the fight against crime. He said that policing alone can’t solve all the crimes.

“We need to work together and realise that this is our country. I admire your slogan ‘Peace Starts In Your Heart’ If we apply it to our everyday lives we’d influence ourselves as individuals, our families, schools and work place and our nation will be able to embrace this concept which will result in a crime free society and country” said Commissioner Reddy.

Guest speakers for the day included: Cito from Wonderboom; Thele Moema - Special Advisor to the Gauteng Premier, Commissioner Oswald Reddy – Cluster Commander for Honeydew, Randburg, Douglasdale, Roodepoort and Florida; George-Gabriel Berkovits - Soul Healer; Fred Britz - Father of Tracey-Leigh Frankish and Leigh van Wesemael - Spirit of the Wind with children from Montessori school who sang a song with Cito.

The day ended with bands such as Prime Circle, Black Hotels, Wonderboom, DJ Fresh and many more playing throughout the afternoon.