24 April 2022
Abahlali baseMjondolo press statement
Abahlali baseMjondolo to hold a Prayer Vigil at the eNkanini Occupation
In honouring and remembering those we have lost in the devastating floods this month Abahlali baseMjondolo will, responding to a call from our members, hold a multi-faith Prayer Vigil.
Many people from the shacks and townships around Durban have been hit hard by these floods which have taken more than 400 lives. Many people are still missing. Many are homeless and desperate. People are traumatized and in despair. They do not know who to turn to.
Many families are still waiting hopelessly for their loved ones to be discovered under the ground or in rivers. They have come to accept that they will never find them alive but they need to find closure by being able to bury their remains. In the Annet Drive settlement in Reservoir Hills an 8 year old has still has not been found after her family’s home was washed away.
Many have no hope that they will ever get assistance from government. Already there are people who are side-lined because they are not members of the ANC.
Instead of helping those who are destitute the ANC is only giving support to its members. In Briardene the chairperson of the ANC has openly made it clear that he will not be giving to Abahlali members. This is not unusual.
We need one another at this difficult time. This is no time for party politics to destroy the possibility of universal solidarity. People are homeless and hungry right now. People need support right now. We need real leaders who are accountable to the people and will provide direction and build real solidarity, solidarity for everyone who is in need.
We need to grieve together, to be in community together and to build hope and solidarity together.
We love our country and we are working to improve the lives of those who live under inhuman conditions.
The multi-faith Prayer Vigil, rooted in the theology of liberation, will be held in the eNkanini Occupation at 9 am on 26 April 2022.
Contacts:
Thapelo Mohapi 084 576 5117
Mqapheli Bonono 073 067 3274
Busisiwe Diko 060 305 8224