Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato expressed his shock at the treatment of Restaurant and Tourism industry staff, when they participated in a peaceful demonstration outside Parliament at 10h00 this morning: ‘I am appalled at video footage showing the aggressive conduct of the South African Police Service (SAPS) today as they used heavy handed tactics against peaceful hospitality industry protesters outside parliament this morning’.
I was slightly late for the start of the protest, and in walking past staff of Hudson’s in Kloof Street, they told me that the Police were prepared for the demonstration and started shooting water cannons and tear gas at the Restaurant and Tourism Industry representatives peacefully forming a human chain, with Social Distancing of 1,5 meters apart, outside Parliament. This action led to the peaceful demonstration being brought to an abrupt halt, and staff returning to their restaurants and businesses, angry, and severely disappointed with the police action and in the Government! Continue reading →
Wednesday 22 July 2020, Day 52 of Level 3, after 66 days of Levels 5 and 4 😷
The owners and staff of Restaurants, Coffee shops, and Bars, and related suppliers, will be heading out to the streets twice this week, to protest to the Government and raise awareness about the poor treatment the Restaurant Industry, Tourism Industry, and Hospitality Trade is experiencing, the Curfew and ban on alcohol sales announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 12 July being the final straw for an industry that has been most discriminated against during Lockdown in our country. 
Wednesday 15 July 2020, Day 45 of Level 3, after 66 days of Levels 5 and 4. 😷