There is an African proverb that says ‘when spider webs unite they can pull down a lion’ meaning that where there is cooperation the lion, a symbol of power that believes that it is untouchable and cannot be shaken is brought down by actions outside the centre of power. In this case, the lion is represented by Timothy Omotoso who walked free and acquitted from all charges on a technicality, allowing him to continue with his activities at the expense of the broken and traumatised lives of women who survived his assaults. The actions of the Buffalo Municipality in refusing to let him use their premises for his crusade are what justice looks like in action – justice that holds perpetrators accountable and refuses to stand by for monetary gain. In addition, we call on the Buffalo Municipality to refuse him a permit for hosting a public gathering anywhere in their city.
While every courageous principled step is very important, we need more sustained action to build a powerful spider web that can bring down a rogue lion.
As the Faith Action Collective, together with our many partners, we have already published a statement declaring that this man is not acting in our name (https://www.wwsosa.org.za/the-omotoso-case-not-in-our-name/) We are shocked to hear that, not only is Omotoso still in South Africa, but he has the audacity to continue to assume the mantle of a credible prophet and religious leader. Collectively, we express our deep outrage at this, and we appeal to the NPA and the Department of Home Affairs to declare publicly how they are planning to protect South African women who may well become his next victims.
We recently witnessed that the CRL launched a much-needed new Commission to address what they have called ‘spiritual transgressions’. While we wait for this to come into being, may we as the faith Action Collective, request an urgent meeting with this Commission as well as the Commission for Gender Equality and Human Rights Commission to discuss emergency measures that might be legally possible to prevent any person with multiple accusations of abuse against them to be prevented from exercising his power as a religious leader going forward.
Statement issued by We Will Speak Out South Africa, and the Faith Action to End GBV Collective
Contact: coordinator@wwsosa.org.za 0845810622