MOSSEL BAY, WESTERN CAPE — In a powerful display of solidarity, the recent Mossel Bay peace march brought together residents, clergy, and civic leaders in KwaNonqaba to champion social cohesion. Organized in the wake of localized unrest, the demonstration highlighted a collective resolve to combat community violence and address the deep-rooted issues of economic inequality driving local frustrations.
The demonstration was orchestrated through a partnership between a local faith-based fraternity and the municipal government. Taking to the streets, the unified crowd sought to de-escalate the tensions caused by recent public disturbances. Throughout the gathering, various speakers emphasized that aggressive protests are ineffective tools for solving systemic challenges, urging both the state and the private sector to tackle the root causes of joblessness and destitution.
Addressing the attendees, Rev. Mzandile Molo, General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches, pivoted the narrative away from scapegoating, declaring that poverty, not foreign nationals, is the true adversary in the region.
“Violence is not the answer. The foreigner is not our enemy. Our enemy is poverty and the poverty that must be dealt with here in Mossel Bay,” Rev. Molo stated. He urged everyone to dedicate their time to eradicating this scourge and issued a direct challenge to the business sector, advising employers to recruit based on merit and skills rather than exploiting cheap labor. Furthermore, he demanded that the police and the Department of Home Affairs fulfill their constitutional obligations to maintain order.
Echoing the call for lawful conduct, Mossel Bay Mayor Dirk Kotze addressed the crowd’s sentiments regarding foreign nationals. He reminded residents that migrants often arrive seeking the same basic opportunities as locals, driven by shared human needs.
Mayor Kotze cautioned the public about the severe ripple effects of harming others and urged citizens to let official agencies handle the situation. Clarifying the municipality’s stance on immigration, he stated, “The message is clear. We don’t want illegal foreigners in our country, but other people they’re welcome. If they’re documented and if they’re legally in our country, we welcome them.”
The event concluded on a spiritual and hopeful note, with religious leaders expressing gratitude for the peaceful turnout. Mzukisi Mila, a local religious leader, attributed the success of the march to the unwavering backing of the KwaNonqaba residents.
Expressing gratitude for the peaceful execution of the event, he noted that “the Lord was good.” Reaffirming the spiritual mandate of the gathering, Mila declared, “We are still saying peace be still. We are still preaching peace in our land.”
Event organizers remain hopeful that this profound show of unity will successfully turn the page on recent tensions, fostering a renewed sense of safety and shared purpose across the region.