The SACC is appalled by the violent attacks against defenceless and poor members of the community of Kennedy Road, Durban, known as Abahlali baseMjondolo. We are shocked at the savage attacks on their leadership. The sin of members of this community is resisting relocation and fighting for a place to call home. In May 2009 they took their plight to the Constitutional Court. Such actions amplify the commitment of this destitute community to seek redress through democratic and constitutional means.

On Saturday night (27 September 2009) armed bandits – apparently masquerading as a registered security company – launched savage attacks against the leadership of the Abahlali baseMjondolo and wider community of Kennedy Road. Police were alerted to the attacks and called to intervene, but inexplicably failed to provide protection and to quell the violence and destruction that lasted for 24 hours. Several people were killed and scores of people were left homeless and had to flee with only the clothes on their backs.

One victim claimed that 'the only sin we committed was to engage in peaceful and democratic actions to secure a place for our children and loved ones.'

Bishop Rubin Phillip, who is the chairperson of the SACC's provincial structure, the KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council, and the Anglican Bishop of Natal, stated that 'I was torn with anguish when I first heard of the unspeakable brutality that has raged down on the Kennedy Road shack settlement.' He has in recent years spent many hours in the settlement and continues to provide pastoral support to this community. The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, endorses the condemnation of the Kennedy Road attacks.

'This horrific attack can only be construed as an attack on democracy', Eddie Makue of the SACC asserts. 'We are alarmed by the way in which legitimate community struggles are being criminalised. Community members who are asserting their rights can not be treated as criminals. The Abahlali baseMjondolo has been seeking redress in a responsible and democratic manner.'

Those who launched the attacks on the Kennedy Road community have not been apprehended. Instead, community leaders have been imprisoned. Therefore, the SACC supports Bishop Rubin in calling for 'a credible and independent force to be deployed as a matter of urgency'. The Sydenham Police failed to provide the security that the people of Kennedy Road deserve.

Professor Maluleke, the SACC president, expressed his condolences with those who lost their relatives during these attacks. 'It is unjust enough to be poor and destitute, but to be attacked and killed for struggling against poverty and destitution is worse. We shall approach political authorities to ensure that the people’s hopes in democracy are not destroyed. We appeal on the provincial government to do everything within their power to put an end to the senseless violence', said Maluleke. 'We call on all who believe in and support democracy to demonstrate support for the people of Kennedy Road by contributing towards the relief fund started by Bishop Rubin.'

Donations to the relief fund can be made to:
Diocese of Natal Trust Account
First National Bank
Account number: 509 3118 7386
Midlands Mall Branch
Pietermaritzburg
South Africa

For more information, contact Mr Eddie Makue, general secretary, on (+27) 082 853 8781.

* This article appears as a statement on the South African Council of Churches website.
* Please send comments to [email protected] or comment online at Pambazuka News.