Coloured Lives Matter campaign highlights violence and marginalisation in South Africa
Coloured lives matter protest by PA members
Image: Ayanda Ndamane
The Patriotic Alliance’s Coloured Lives Matter campaign saw thousands of coloured people from Johannesburg to the Cape Flats, Port Elizabeth, Kimberley, and even as far as Kannaland and Ladismith take to the streets in coordinated demonstrations across South Africa.
The marches, held on 1 December, aimed to highlight violent crime and social challenges affecting coloured communities. Organisers said the campaign sought to draw attention to gang-related violence, inadequate policing, and the broader marginalisation of these communities.
In Ennerdale, Johannesburg, residents filled the streets for the “March for Coloured Lives Matter,” joined by families, youth groups, and local leaders. Many participants described the event as an opportunity to raise awareness and strengthen community solidarity.
From Port Elizabeth, Keaton Browers said: "Today, we're marching to honour the lives lost in our coloured communities. It’s time to shine a light on stories that need to be heard and injustices that need to be addressed. We’re marching for a future where every life, regardless of colour, is valued and protected."
In Clarke Estate, Elsies River, Ashley Sauls, also known as Oom Biza, was seen among the marchers. He told supporters: "We are opening up and wanting the world to know that we are tired of 3,500 lives being lost a year and weekly up to 10 to 14 destroyed by gang violence. We are coming together to say we have a place in this country. We cannot say all lives matter until coloured lives are part of those lives."
On the Cape Flats, residents staged a march near Zevenwacht Mall in Kuils River. Patriotic Alliance Public Relations Councillor Wendell Nimmerhout called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene in areas affected by gang violence.
"We are here to shout that ‘Coloured Lives Matter’ because of all the killings happening in Eerste River, Kuils River, Wesbank and across the Cape Flats," he said.
"It seems like the government isn’t interested in solving this issue. We want President Cyril Ramaphosa to bring in the army and stabilise our communities." Nimmerhout also said that while some police officers were performing their duties, others were alleged to be in collusion with criminal networks.
PA leader Gayton McKenzie said the movement reflected the ongoing risks faced by coloured communities. In a statement issued after the marches, he said:
"Don’t be bothered by ‘Coloured Lives Matter’. The fact that we have to explain it shows how out of tune people are with the killings in coloured communities.
“You’re bothered by a slogan but never bothered when our streets are filled with the blood of young boys and girls. Kids are shot while playing in parks. Families sleep in corridors to avoid stray bullets. Coloured parents bury their children, that abnormality never bothered you.
“We marched for farm murders and for ‘Black Lives Matter’ without noise from you. Why are you bothered today?
“We don’t want sympathy; we want the army, the army or nothing. Stay unbothered, we got us."
The Patriotic Alliance said it will continue campaigning for the deployment of additional resources, including the South African National Defence Force, in areas affected by gang violence.