Statement on the situation in South Africa
16 July 2021
Our spirit is not easily broken
A wave of looting, and unrest has swept parts of our country over the past 5 days. Lives have been lost; properties destroyed, the threat of food insecurity looms, but the resilience of our people has not been broken; it has been emboldened.
Community members have become the shield that protects lives, and livelihoods. Able bodied individuals have availed themselves to the Police Services to augment the efforts already underway. The South African National Taxi Association has now called on all its members to form a barrier between the looting criminals and places of business, the malls and other infrastructure, integral to functioning of society, and the economy.
In some communities members are conducting door-to-door calls to establish if there are stolen goods in circulation, while in other areas, – to restore normality – people have started to clean up the streets. Taxi drivers are using their vehicles to assist with the delivery of bread to homes that are in desperate need. Cottage industries that bake bread are offering it at a reduced price, and are delivering within a short kilometre radius. Individuals, civic and religious organisations are coordinating the delivery of food parcels.
These are but a few of the very positive developments. A new mood is beginning to characterise our nation – and it stands in stark contrast and opposition to that of the criminals. It is becoming the dominant force that stands opposed to narrow criminal ends.
These are the messages that should be spread and circulated internationally, and on every available platform. It is a narrative of hope. Insidious, inflammatory, and unconfirmed reports must not be spread. At a minimum, such misinformation puts lives at risk.
Nomatemba Tambo
High Commissioner
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