Limpopo District -Strike Action Message

A message to share through Methodists of the Limpopo District

25^th August 2010

Dear Friends,

I am writing while the whole of South Africa is in the grip of strike action. We could be facing one of the most serious labour crises of our recent history. I would certainly join those who are campaigning for better salaries for workers who perform a whole range of essential public services, but would also call on unions and workers to refrain from acts of intimidation and violence.

 It is distressing in a democracy that guarantees basic human rights to hear people using aggressive ‘war talk’ language. Why do we find it necessary to shout and threaten each other as if we are still living in a repressive state? This culture of violent and threatening language is often interpreted by many in our society as being synonymous with the actual use of violence. If we talk about blocking a motorway, or closing down schools, and hospitals, we should not be surprised that many people will do just that, even though such behaviour is illegal, and infringes on other people’s rights.

It is also distressing that to date no ‘minimum services agreements’ have been concluded in the public sector. Such agreements would at least guarantee the continuance of basic services in key public facilities. Why has this critical area of negotiating and bargaining not been completed, particularly in that we have already seen the impact of a total stay away in 2007?

I raise these concerns so that we as church do not see ourselves as outside of these critical social engagements. Those who know our church’s history will know that Methodists were instrumental in forming the first trade union.  We should always stand close to the labour movement around the world, but we also value the importance of serious non-violent dialogue, which can only be guaranteed in a democratic constitutional environment.

Speaking of democracy I would also ask that we be alert and active in the current debate around  the ‘freedom of information’ and ‘press freedom/responsibility’. We must be very vigilant when questions about media and information control/regulation are being spoken about by government. This is dangerous territory, and while the debate itself is healthy and positive, the mere suggestion that people should be silenced, and information be withheld by organs of the state should awaken our Christian and democratic consciences. We should know from a long history that it could be the media being controlled today, and the church or faith community tomorrow. Let us participate in the debate, and encourage rigorous accountability from both the state and the media. Let us also stand firm against any erosion of freedom, that could be the intention of some who feel threatened by the  often, embarrassing exposures that arise in an open society.

Finally we have had some heartening responses to the crisis that has affected hospitals and other essential services during the strike action. Some of our members have already volunteered their services in some of these key facilities. I would encourage others to do the same where opportunity avails itself. Let us in the spirit of Christ be present and active with love in the places of pain and struggle. And above all let us not cease in our prayers, so that our hearts never become clogged with darkness and fear.

With warm greetings

Gavin

Gavin Taylor, Limpopo District Bishop.