Danger and Opportunity in Zimbabwe and South Africa (by Nontando Hadebe)
I have heard that the Chinese symbol for crisis means both danger and opportunity. The political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe and the crisis brought by xenophobic violence in South Africa present both danger and opportunity.
For many citizens from both countries, the crisis has become an opportunity to express their values of compassion and generosity. In the past week, there has been an outpouring of aid from many local citizens in the form of provision of clothing, food, and shelter for people displaced by the recent spate of xenophobic violence. Faith-based organisations, communities, and individuals have joined forces to give a different message to victims of violence. There are reports of some communities making a stand against xenophobic violence. The crisis has created opportunities to express one’s values.
In Zimbabwe, individuals, communities, and faith-based organisations continue their efforts at addressing practical needs and struggling for justice. Further, there are cross-border support groups. So opportunities exist and are being taken up by many.
However, real danger exists. If the root causes of xenophobic violence are not addressed, the danger of more violence is real. The humanitarian crisis created by the violence continues and requires immediate and long-term solutions. There is already a health crisis in the temporary shelters. Similarly, if violence continues in Zimbabwe and elections are not free and fair, the danger of a political collapse and escalating violence is real.
The prominence of violence in these interrelated crises is disturbing. The "weapons" that are needed to counter violence are unlike military weapons. These "weapons" of wisdom, knowledge, justice, and visionary leadership translate into practical strategies that address short- and long-term political, economic, and social needs -- particularly those of the poor.
Prayer is one of the primary sources for these "weapons," and the starting point that will inevitably lead to creative action, support, and partnerships, etc. Thank you, too, for your prayers – the incidents of xenophobic violence have gone down, but the humanitarian crisis has grown to unmanageable proportions. The political and economic situation in Zimbabwe continues to cause hardship and suffering. Please continue to pray for this region.
Nontando Hadebe, a former Sojourners intern, is originally from Zimbabwe and is now pursuing graduate studies in theology in South Africa.
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Comments
Prayer is essential for everything and everyone, people have to just realize it...
http://www.thefaithdebate.com
Posted by: live_life | May 29, 2008 12:25 PM
My prayer continues, my friend.
Posted by: madeleinebreen | May 30, 2008 6:21 AM
(writing from Cape Town South Africa)
I believe (my humble opinion) the current "xenophobic violence" in SA is rooted in the frustrations of millions of poor South Africans who are disillusioned with the new post-apartheid South Africa. They expected a better life for all - but it ended up being a better life for a few. All that changed after 1994 is the color of the rich elite. A black elite replaced a white elite - and the majority still sits with as little as ever. The majority got freedom and a lot of promises - but no jobs and no real hope for a better standard of living. Corruption (example: government officials taking bribes to push foreigners to the top of government housing lists) and crime is rife. The infighting between the current president (Mbeki) and his appointed heir (Zuma) has created a leadership vacuum that's an ideal breeding ground for lawlessness. Fuel prices are at record highs - affecting the whole population - but making it very tough for the poor to get to their places of work (expensive transport). The ever increasing fuel prices causes the prices of foodstuffs to rise and rise. The poor majority suffers more and more in South Africa while the new post-apartheid super rich seem to care very little. People at grass root level are frustrated and angry - not so much at foreigners - but at anything and everyone that can bee seen as the cause of their continued suffering. It's foreigners today. It can be anyone tomorrow.
Posted by: Francois | May 30, 2008 3:01 PM
Thank you, Francois. You make a lot of sense. I'm so sorry.
Posted by: Marilyn | May 30, 2008 6:39 PM
Those familiar with the struggle history of South Africa will be familiar with the name Alex Boraine. Those who don't know the name can google it. He was a main player in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (with Tutu). I read an interview with Boraine in one of SA's leading newspapers a few weeks ago - after the release of his (auto)biography - in which he states that he's very disillusioned with what the ANC and SA Government has become. He feels that the cause has been betrayed by greed. Inner-circle comrades are in pursuit of riches ... forgetting the masses that handed them the power. The 2010 Soccer World Cup is placed in front of the poor as the governments great gift to them ... while those in power make big money out of contracts awarded under "Black Economic Empowerment" rules.
Posted by: Francois | May 31, 2008 5:11 AM
Thank you Nontando for your call to prayer and for the reminder that the opportunity hidden in all of this danger is real. The June 27 the run-off election in Zimbabwe is a real opportunity and although it will be impossible for the elections to be truly free or fair, let us hope that enough people will be watching the courage and determination of the Zimbabwean people who have waited so long for this slim chance for change.
There is a really powerful article called " We need a God-fearing nation" posted on The Zimababwean that is also a powerful call to prayer.
Let us pray and also move "to creative action, support, and partnerships, etc."
Posted by: Joy K | June 2, 2008 12:59 AM
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