People across the country, from Cape Town to Durban, have accumulated on various beaches on Saturday [Janaury 30] to protest against current lockdown restrictions. The protest was popularised on social media after a poster did the rounds inviting Mother City residents to join in on the movement.
In a statement the City’s spokesperson for Law Enforcement, Principal Inspector Wayne Dyason said: “The City of Cape Town is aware of the planned protests at some of the city’s beaches tomorrow, 30 January 2021. We request those who plan to participate to please act responsibly, to wear their masks and practice social distancing, and to be mindful that gathering on the beaches is prohibited by National Regulations as the beaches are closed to the public.”
Gatherings were spotted on Muizenberg beach.
Beach closure protest in Muizenberg right now. About a hundred people on the beach and swimming. Law enforcement looking on. pic.twitter.com/lSl5BoKtnz
— ????? ????? ? (@_JamesWiles) January 30, 2021
Video of the Muizenberg civil disobedience right now. pic.twitter.com/gpOUnpJKoG
— ????? ????? ? (@_JamesWiles) January 30, 2021
#ProtestAction Protesters in Muizenberg, Cape Town deliberately breaking the #Lockdown3 regulations. @News24 @GovernmentZA @SAPoliceService @CityofCT @alanwinde to Show their unhappiness against closure of beaches under current lockdown restrictions pic.twitter.com/6tEAhbYHk4
— BOSBEER.COM (@BOSBEER2006) January 30, 2021
For all the army theatrics on Muizenberg beach three weeks ago, when irritated residents protest by swimming in the sea ( never thought I would say that), nothing happens. pic.twitter.com/wWzg2i0UZP
— Katharine Child (@katjanechild) January 30, 2021
There’s no law enforcement in Cape Town beaches…. People are enjoying themselves….
Grade 11 Guptas Cyril #JusticeForMaya #WeAreJacobZuma #VoetsekRamaPhosa pic.twitter.com/R5PxDCTvXA
— Nkosinati Magwa (@NkosinatiMagwa) January 30, 2021
Protesters also took to Blouberg Beach to call for an end to the ban.
Protests are underway at several Western Cape beaches today after they were closed as part of implementing Covid-19…
Posted by SABC News Western Cape on Saturday, 30 January 2021
Protesters were also spotted on Fish Hoek beach.
Re BEACH PROTEST TODAY
Saturday 30 January 2021
From CoCT page:“The City of Cape Town is aware of the planned…
Posted by Fish Hoek Beach on Friday, 29 January 2021
Under adjusted Lockdown Level 3, beaches have been closed as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The rules are regulated under the Disaster Management Act, and have been contested heavily by the Western Cape provincial government.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato have written to the president requesting that the ban be lifted.
Image: Twitter/screenshot from video