Media Release

Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) is alarmed by the violent nature of the protests taking place in the North West Province. We call on communities to desist from violence and the criminal acts of looting and destroying property.

The valid grievances of the people must be attended to without delay. Much has been said about Premier Supra Mahumapelo and his presumed association with corruption, linked also to what seems an irrational and wasteful mobile clinic project of Gupta fame. There has been the long standing belief that the Premier has been using Gupta resources to butter up loyal acquiescence and consent to wrongdoings in the North West. We applaud President Ramaphosa for returning home to address the crisis, and call on him to intervene decisively in that situation. We appeal to the people to remain calm and give space for effective interventions.

The SACC will join with other faith organisations and engage with the Departments of Health and of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs for a pastoral engagement to ensure that just and lasting peace can be secured.

Bishop Mpumlwana is General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches (SACC).

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Moagisi Sibanda
Director: Communications
South African Council of Churches (SACC)
Tel: 082 295 1581
Email: moagisi@sacc.org.za