Kaizer Chiefs supporters’ protest march WILL go ahead on Friday, 14 May

The Kaizer Chiefs supporters’ protest march to the club’s headquarters at Naturena will go ahead as planned on Friday, 14 May.

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The organisers of march have promised a “legal and courteous” proceeding and confirmed that they received permission from the club and the relevant authorities‚ including the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD)‚ for the march to hand over a memorandum of their grievances.

“Kaizer Chiefs Football Club supporters have realised their constitutional right as stipulated in Section 17 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) which states that ‘everyone has the right‚ peacefully and unarmed‚ to assemble‚ to demonstrate‚ to picket and to present petitions’‚” the organisers said in a lengthy statement.

“As concerned supporters‚ looking at dismal results and the perpetual decline of our beloved football club‚ we saw it fit to exercise this constitutional right and organise a peaceful and lawful protest to Naturena to raise our grievances with relevant Kaizer Chiefs authorities.

“We have followed all correct procedures to ensure that this march is both legal and courteous. We have met with law enforcement officials from JMPD‚ Kaizer Chiefs officials and media personnel looking for advice and permission. We are pleased that we were able to reach a common consensus and understanding with the two parties and we want to announce that the peaceful march is ongoing as planned.

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“We would like to thank the JMPD officials who have diligently worked with us during preparations of this historic occasion and the Kaizer Chiefs officials who accepted the call and are willing to consider our demands enacted in the memorandum‚ which will we submit to them on Friday‚ 14 May 2021 at 10:00.

“We also want to send our gratitude to various media houses that have given an opportunity to give clarity about the march and we would like to invite the media to be available on Friday for this historic occasion.

“To ensure that the march is peaceful‚ we have assigned a group of supporters who will work with law enforcement officials to become our marshals on the day of the protest.

“These group of supporters will assist in ensuring compliance with regards to Covid-19 regulations such as wearing of masks‚ social distancing and strict hygiene (if need be) and some will be there to assist in looking after vehicles of demonstrators.

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The organisers added that:

* The march will be marshalled by Kaizer Chiefs supporters who volunteered for this duty‚ to work with law enforcement officials from JMPD

* No weapons‚ harmful or unlawful objects will be allowed. Everyone who will be misbehaving or does not follow the protocols will be apprehended

* Marchers can wear their Kaizer Chiefs regalia with pride

* The march has leaders who have been assigned to lead the event who will guide the marchers during proceedings. They will also be responsible for reading and handing over the memorandum

* All Covid-19 regulations will be respected‚ such as wearing of masks at all times and social distancing

* The march will start at corner of Main Road and Flora Street‚ Naturena (near Tinti’s Restaurant). Organisers plead with marchers to arrive by 08:30 to will depart for Chiefs’ Village at 09:30. The memorandum handover is scheduled for 10:00

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The supporters’ protest was launched on social media and soon went viral with the hashtags #KaizerChiefsProtest and #KaizerChiefsPeacefulProtest

Amakhosi supporters have understandably been left unhappy at their team’s performances this season in the DStv Premiership.

With just three matches remaining Kaizer Chiefs are languishing in 10th place and face the very real possibility of not only their worst ever finish to a season, but missing out on an all-important top-8 finish which would see them qualify for next season’s MTN 8.

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Kaizer Chiefs also conceded their 33rd goal of the season on Wednesday against Swallows which represents the greatest number of goals leaked since the league changed to 16 teams in 2002/03.

On the CAF Champions League front, however, things have gone a lot better for coach Gavin Hunt’s men.

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They have reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history and will host Tanzania’s Simba SC in the first-leg at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, 15 May at 18:00.

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