Chapters in Books (Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology)

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Lessons from Mr. Noki : empire, structural violence and the Missio Dei
(African Sun Media, 2020) Botha, Jaco
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.