There is an encouraging and sometimes brave upsurge of protest against the corruption, acts of illegality and other abuses of the Zuma-led government. This has involved a wide section of society.  Some individuals, in leadership and other positions, have been victimised as a result of what they have done.  While one admires this willingness to sacrifice it is important that we do not automatically “stigmatise” power or celebrate “dissent”.  In specific contexts power may well represent a democratic “truth” and democratic practices.  Both power and dissent need to be evaluated and justified by whether or not these are freedom-enhancing or denying. By RAYMOND SUTTNER