We, the bishops of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, are deeply concerned about the current high levels of unemployment and the rising cost of living, and how they disproportionately impact the lives of those at the margins of the economy. Both the high levels of unemployment and the cost of living are pushing more people into higher levels of household debt and deep poverty. We call on the government, business and those with influence and power to take note and action the issues we raise below.
-The need to regularly review the adverse impact of structural reforms on the poor
-The persistent gap between the rich and the poor
-The Eskom Crisis, as well as Transnet’s failing rail infrastructure
-Parties need to work together in fixing failed municipalities
Guest: Bishop Joseph Kizito- SACBC (Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference) Department of Catholic Social Action