By Staff Reporter
The recent acts of xenophobia often characterised by violence, looting and intimidation must be condemned. The violence is a sad indictment so soon after celebrating over two decades of freedom and democracy.
The highest law in the land, the Constitution, clearly outlines that South Africa belongs to all that live in it. Therefore the rights of foreign nationals must be observed and respected at all times. While people are faced with socio-economic challenges which are being dealt with by government, there can never justification for any form of violence and hatred of foreign nationals.
“We are condemning in the strongest
possible terms the recent attacks and looting of shops
owned by foreign nationals
In a statement, the City of Tshwane has called on all communities, organisations and individuals to join hands against xenophobia. The statement said violence has never been a solution for problems in any society and will never be in South Africa.
Government appealed to the people of Gauteng to fight xenophobia in all forms and manifestation.
“We urge residents to report any attacks or planned attacks on foreign national to the police. We are condemning in the strongest possible terms the recent attacks and looting of shops owned by foreign nationals,” said Blessing Manala, City spokesperson.
He said South Africa is a free county that respects basic human rights for all and no amount of frustration or anger can justify xenophobic violence and looting of shops. Whilst noting the issues raised by communities, violence towards another fellow human being can never solve these issues. The xenophobic attacks reflect badly on South Africa and go against the very ideals and foundations of democracy. “We urge all South Africans who occupy positions of leadership in society to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner and refrain from making statements that may incite xenophobia.
Mr Manale said the policy will act decisively on those infringing on other people’s basic human rights and will continuously monitoring the hotspots in the City. In the past few days police have arrested 14 people for their involvement in xenophobic violence. Joint Operational Centres have been activated nationally to respond to the on-going attacks on foreign nationals and the looting of their shops. In order to improve intelligence capacity, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has deployed additional operatives on the ground to gather information and assess it for its operational response.
“South Africans from all walks of life must act together to fight xenophobia. Government supports efforts by civil society formations to act together against xenophobia and residents in the City are urged to take part in peaceful demonstrations against xenophobia.
“Let us all spread the message that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, including foreign nationals and say NO TO XENOPHOBIA,” Mr Manale said.
