ACTSA is deeply concerned about the escalating violence in South Africa and the consequent loss of 72 lives to date, including children.
This situation is the responsibility of those who have tried to undermine the South African Constitution and the rule of law. ACTSA notes that calls for calm have come from President Ramaphosa, from political parties and civil society organisations, such as the South African Council of Churches (SACC) and the Congress of South Africa Trade Unions (COSATU). ACTSA also notes that others have not issued statements of this kind.
ACTSA is deeply aware of the undercurrents to this crisis in South Africa, but rejects the view that people have been driven to looting and destruction by poverty and the pandemic. Communities across the length and breadth of South Africa have been uniting to defend their facilities against the criminality of looting. ACTSA notes the allegations that the looting has been organised and notes that the South African Police have identified possible organisers.
ACTSA firmly believes in the necessity for the economic transformation of South Africa so that the lives of ordinary people are improved. ACTSA fears that the current unrest will damage the South African economy to such an extent that it will take decades to recover.
ACTSA will continue to work for the economic transformation of South Africa and the consequent improvement in the lives of ordinary people.