It’s another day at work, my first demonstration of 2010. This time with teachers and nurses. I move amongst the masses of people, there are some eager faces – first timers. The regular strikers don’t get excited anymore, they just make noise and play up for the cameras. It’s easy to spot those who still have passion and those who are following a ritual.

Im here for myself, one of the few – if not the only – who is not being employed to tell a specific story (maybe I should strike sometime?). So I use the freedom to read between the lines, try to make it interesting as if it were my first time. People are fighting for their livelihoods here, what does this mean to South Africans? What does it mean to witness our teachers and nurses – our education and health care – threaten to stop nurturing us? I look towards the people for answers and to see where our priorities lie.

Note to self: remember these faces, they will be back next year

FOR MORE PICTURES AND INFO ON STIRKES IN SOUTH AFRICA CLICK HERE