UPM Press Release on COVID 19
UPM media
UPM Press Release
Pressure the state, and act from below: solidarity now
The State President’s COVID19 declaration and inter-ministerial plans are welcome, but have nothing concrete on defending black working class communities in the crisis.
Many of these communities suffer under the legacy of apartheid and the inequalities of the present. Many have no reliable water supplies, yet are asked to wash regularly. Politicians have failed us, and now we are in the eye of the storm. Hand-sanitisers and immunity boosters are a luxury. Prices are shooting through the roof, as capitalists make money: SABC News has just reported that the prices of face-masks have tripled, R15 to R50 in one hour. This is the logic of capitalist profit, where human needs are last place.
The 2019 “State of the World's Children” report found that one (1) in three (3) children under five are undernourished affecting growth and health. Surviving the virus depends on healthy bodies and strong immune systems. This exposes black working class kids to the virus and other diseases like the prevalent TB and HIV – none of which the state or big business has seen as a disaster. The situation is deeply linked to cheap labour and the mass unemployment of 10 million people – none of which the state or big business has seen as a disaster.
The residents of Makana are still without reliable water, despite promises, despite “turnaround” stories despite years of warnings. The community of Alicedale has been without water for months, non-stop. This is scandalous and inhumane! It is an assault on the right to life.
In fact, the municipal leadership that Judge Stretch found guilty of human rights violations, and ordered to vacate office, is still in power. It is using government money to fight the ruling, in a time of darkness.
Solving the virus problem needs a just, fair society, not one where people are treated as disposable!
1) We will be launching an urgent court application to force Makana Municipality to provide water for the residents of the Municipality, in particular, Alicedale community.
2) We will be convening the meeting of civil society in Makhanda to discuss the COVID 19 and the defence of the black working class communities.
3) Civil society must support and defend the working class communities and demand accountability from municipalities to make sure those that need help the most, indeed receive education and material help. It is time to build to walls of solidarity and humanity, to defend the people, to save the townships.
4) The business sector must take immediate pre-cautionary measure, to prioritise the health of people. The health of the people must take priority over profits and brands.
This is no longer a matter of life and death. It is a matter of death for the residents of Makana Municipality.
Sikhumbuzo Sojuxwa
UPM Chairperson
0838100522