SA on Gangster State book launch interruption: 'Best sales tactic ever'
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Image: Masi Losi
The interruption of the book launch for Gangster State: Unraveling Ace Magashule's Web of Capture has resulted in a wave of support for both author and book, with many people pledging to make a purchase.
The launch event at the Sandton City Exclusive Books branch was called off after angry protesters ripped copies of the book apart and started singing and chanting to interrupt the speakers during the launch.
South Africans, including political leaders, fellow journalists and political commentators have reacted in shock on social media, although many called the protests the best sales tactic ever.
Actions of those burning books must be condemned by all Freedom loving citizens. We now need the protection of all freedoms. We must stand up now, at first it’s freedom of expression, then association. This is truly the destruction of democracy.
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) April 9, 2019
Apartheid’s agents banned and burnt books they did not like. What happened at EB Sandton with Myburgh’s book reveals that we are no different. We behave exactly like our apartheid masters. That is the tragedy of our young democracy
— Jonathan Jansen (@JJ_Stellies) April 9, 2019
Burning books, disrupting book launches!#GangsterState indeed
— Scapegoat (@AndiMakinana) April 9, 2019
"The facts are clear. Anybody who votes for @MYANC on 08 May knowing what we know now, is simply an accomplice to corruption." Thanks @helenzille for a wonderful speech tonight. #GangsterState
— Emma Louise Powell (@powellemmaloui1) April 9, 2019
This is so anti- democracy- all for what #AceMagashule pic.twitter.com/7wlul6m1L8
— Qhawekazi (@NiniQhawekazi) April 9, 2019
Ironic that people want corruption to stop but are too quick to protect the leader that never cared #AceMagashule will see the inside of a jail sell
— onlyGoodvibes (@Pablo_Bajah) April 9, 2019
I wasn't planning to read #GangsterState the book about #AceMagashule. Given the disruption at the book launch, however, i'll definitely check it out now
— anish shivdasani (@anish1) April 9, 2019
Why disrupt a book launch?What are u expecting to achieve? Has Ace taken @PLMyburgh 2 court to challenge these allegations? Disrupting a book launch won't stop ppl from reading it infact this disruption is free advertising for the author #GangsterState #AceMagashule
— NKOSINGIPHILE MCHUNU (@CingzReloaded) April 9, 2019
From state funds being used for ‘pro-Zuma' rallies and billions of rands potentially lost through dodgy deals: TimesLIVE sat down with ‘Gangster State’ author Pieter-Louis Myburgh for a look into why South Africans should care about his book on ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule. Myburgh also responds to allegations of being a ‘Stratcom agent’ and has even welcomed threats of legal action from Magashule himself.
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Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.