Lessons from Mr. Noki : empire, structural violence and the Missio Dei
Date
2020
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Sun Media
Abstract
On the 16th of August 2012, 34 mineworkers were killed by police in a conflict
between Lonmin’s Marikana2 mine management and their workforce (Botha &
Forster, 2017). The leader of the striking miners, Mgecineni Noki,3 died that day
after advocating for basic increases and a more dignified life. This event has been
likened to the Sharpeville4 of the new South Africa.5 The situation was a boiling pot
consisting of a multinational company seeking best financial return at the expense
of the dignity of mine workers, radicalised unions, militarised police and the misuse
of political power, which resulted in violent and blatant murder as uncovered by
the Farlam Commission6 (Botha & Forster, 2017). What preceded this event is a
clear example of structural violence,7 and the subsequent strike was a reaction to this manifestation of violence. Mgecineni Noki’s life of struggle and his inhumane
death have come to serve as a symbol for all those who have lost their lives in such
conflicts, as well as those who are still held captive by an unjust social, political
and economic system. This chapter does not aim to go into detail about Mr. Noki’s
life, but use his social location as a lens to critique church8 engagement in issues of
violence that undermine the dignity of the most vulnerable peoples.
Description
CITATION: Botha, J. 2020. Lessons from Mr. Noki : empire, structural violence and the Missio Dei, in Nel, M. J., Forster, D. A. & Thesnaar, C. H. (eds.) 2020. Reconciliation, forgiveness and violence in Africa : biblical, pastoral and ethical perspectives. Stellenbosch: SUN PReSS, doi:10.18820/9781928480532/06.
The original publication is available from AFRICAN SUNMeDIA - www.sun-e-shop.co.za
The original publication is available from AFRICAN SUNMeDIA - www.sun-e-shop.co.za
Keywords
Violence, Missions -- Theory
Citation
Botha, J. 2020. Lessons from Mr. Noki : empire, structural violence and the Missio Dei, in Nel, M. J., Forster, D. A. & Thesnaar, C. H. (eds.) 2020. Reconciliation, forgiveness and violence in Africa : biblical, pastoral and ethical perspectives. Stellenbosch: SUN PReSS, doi:10.18820/9781928480532/06.