The Archbishop of Cape Town has condemned the “violence associated with the taxi strike,” which “caused untold hardship and destabilisation for many communities across the city and its environs.”
In the statement shared with the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) communications office, Archbishop Stephen Brislin bemoans “the violence, intimidation, and destruction that has been associated”, with the recent taxi strike.
“Undoubtedly, it is the right of all organisations to embark on strikes and protest actions in appropriate circumstances. What has been so disconcerting has been the violence, intimidation, and destruction that has been associated with the present taxi strike,” said Archbishop Brislin in the Thursday, August 10 statement.
“We deeply regret the fact that people, especially the most vulnerable, were unable to get to work, school or pursue their livelihoods. We are concerned that commuters were prevented from using alternate transport and that, reportedly, in some situations, children were involved in acts of violence,” he lamented.
The Cardinal-Elect further said the strike that claimed the lives of at least five people caused “greater suffering for those already living in poverty.”
“Reports indicate that the delivery of basic foods, such as bread, has been disrupted in some places causing greater suffering for those already living in poverty. It is unacceptable that the basic rights of many are curtailed or even decimated by those exercising their rights. This is fundamentally reprehensible. Public action should enhance a human rights culture not undermine it,” he added.
In the statement, the Local Ordinary of Cape Town Archdiocese urged “all those who are abusing the taxi strikes to engage in dangerous, anti-democratic activity to desist from such activity immediately and engage in constructive and legal action. As people of faith, we cannot stand by while so many suffer.”
“We also appeal to those who wish to use such sensitive moments for narrow political gain, and to urge all stakeholders to desist from inflammatory and divisive statements”, said Archbishop Brislin.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) said the ecumenical association “supports the efforts of faith organisations, community based organisations, and civil society organisations convened under the WC Transport Crisis Action Group which is working tirelessly to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the matter and the resumption of normal lives of our people.”
