Remember the ongoing unrest and riots
RECENTLY, various events led to parts of South Africa being engulfed by catastrophic violence over several days.
Some key disaster statistics were a 337 death toll, of which about 7 were Indian South Africans. In Phoenix alone, 36 people were killed and three of them were Indian.
Destruction took the form of looting and arson of businesses, homes, religious sites and some farms.
The probable causes point to an attempted insurrection, the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma, the Zondo Commission’s final report on corruption, passage of key bills, economic sabotage and a likely third force.
In terms of law enforcement, the police were poorly equipped and overpowered, while the SANDF was deployed too late. There is still uncertainty after the violence. With respect to Phoenix, both the Minister of Safety and Security and President Cyril Ramaphosa have stated that Indians are not racist.
A Phoenix Peace Committee has been set up, while several Indians have been charged for different offences.
Three marches have taken place by the eThekwini Community Church, the
EFF and African United Activists. Religious interfaith dialogues and a soccer match also took place to foster social cohesion among communities.
All communities are still showing symptoms of underlying anxiety due to the ongoing threats. For these reasons, the local government elections – given the recent violence, the Covid-19 pandemic and the current restrictions – require a dedicated effort by all to ensure that residents vote on November 1.
Currently, the Minority Front has one seat in the KZN Legislature and one in the eThekwini Council.
The MF has requested, in the KZN Legislature, the following: that all videos and audio clips, which incited violence via social media, be examined; monthly investigation progress reports on the chaos causing toolkit and recovery of stolen ammunition (about 1.5 million live ammunition rounds); social cohesion and moral regeneration programmes investment to build trust, harmony and peace.
This violence reminds us of the critical nature of human identity, economic class, ethnicity and the politics thereof. It is summed up by two quotes: “Those who ignore ethnicity, do so at their own peril” by Nelson Mandela; and to always remember, “Minority rights are human rights” – UN declaration.
On November 1, remember the ongoing unrest and riots communities have faced and choose peace and political stability when voting.
Vote for tried and tested political parties that have always safeguarded your human and citizenship rights.