By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
The Economic Freedom Fighters in Gauteng has mourned the lives of the fourteen (14) members of Johanne Masowe Baptist church.
The members tragically lost their lives during their sacred baptism practice along the Jukskei River.
Via a press release, CMSR Nkululeko Dunga (EFF’s Gauteng Provincial Chairperson) said: “We also extend our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in such a tragic manner.
“We will continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
We also call on the Provincial government of Gauteng to intensify the rescue efforts of the added three members who are said to still be missing.
“As Africans, our faith and spiritual beliefs are entrenched in our DNAs. The churches, rivers, mountains, and oceans have always been our places of refuge when we seek spiritual guidance,” Dunga said.
Dunga said no one would have thought that such a sacred practice would be marred by such a tragedy.
“In the same breath, we cannot ignore the permanent flood threat that the Jukskei River poses to the Alexandra community, particularly in Setjwetla.
“In 2019, we called on the ANC-led government to prepare an evacuation plan for the Alexandra community as an initiative-taking measure to prevent more lives and livelihoods from being lost and damaged.”
In 2020 and early 2022, Dunga said the EFF watched yet another flooding in Tshwane, Mamelodi which destroyedr over seven hundred (700) homes, leaving a thousand (1 000) displaced.
“Earlier this year, we also witnessed the worst natural disaster in recent history tear apart Kwa-Zulu Natal.
“To date, seventy-two (72) people are still missing, and thousands are still displaced. The government needs to stop maintaining the apartheid spatial planning that purposely placed the lives of our people at the mercy of the elements.
“We once again call on the government to recognize the imminent threat posed by the Jukskei river and urgently lay out efficient plans that will ensure the safest evacuation of the community and implement efficient drainage systems in the Alexander community.”
