[ 2015-04-17 ]

Xenophobic attacks: South Africa apologises to Africa
The South Africa High Commissioner to Ghana Lulama
Xingwana has condemned the brutal attacks on
foreign nationals in the Rainbow Nation and
apologised for the loss of lives.

A Ghanaian is among about eight people who have
been confirmed dead in the xenophobic attacks.

The lives of other African nationals in South
Africa are under threat as indigenes destroy their
properties and attack them at their homes and
business places.

The High Commissioner has assured the government
will do all it can to ensure peace.

Below is the full statement:

The South African government condemns the recent
violent attacks on foreign nationals in the
strongest terms, and this is a criminal offence
which will not be tolerated.

South Africa is a multicultural society that
welcomes and promotes interaction among people of
different backgrounds.

The recent attacks on foreign nationals have been
fuelled by negative perceptions that foreign
nationals are using resources meant for South
Africans, which are invalid. No amount of economic
hardship and discontent can ever justify criminal
activity associated with these attacks.

Any suggestion that limited economic opportunities
and rising cost of living is to blame for these
attacks must be rejected. The suggestion that
foreigners alone are responsible for high crime
levels is totally misplaced and detracts from the
fact that criminal activity can be spread among
many in society. Some criminal elements take
advantage of concerns of ordinary citizens for
their own selfish motives.

Attacks against foreign nationals since the start
of the year were reported in Soweto, Benoni,
Attridgeville, Khayelitsha, Inanda and KwaDukuza.
The situation has been recently worsened following
the death of three foreign nationals on 9 April
2015 in Chatsworth and Umlazi in Durban. These
attacks have resulted in foreign nationals being
displaced and a public outcry that foreign run
businesses are not being allowed to operate in
certain areas.

South Africa is a Constitutional democracy and is
governed by laws. Everyone working and living in
South Africa must obey its laws, including those
to operate a business. No one has the right to
take the law into their own hands. Any case of
wrongdoing whether by a South African or foreign
national must be reported to the police. The South
African government will enforce the laws of the
country and will not hesitate to act against
criminal activity or those found to incite
violence. The South African government will do
everything within its power to ensure the safety
of all citizens and foreign nationals irrespective
of their status. Foreign nationals must meet all
the legislative and regulatory requirements as
prescribed by the immigration laws of South
Africa.

The Government of the Republic of South Africa
condemns the recent attacks, which go against the
democratic values enshrined in the Constitution of
the Republic of South Africa. The government
condemns protests that lead to loss of lives and
destruction of property. Nothing can justify the
criminal activity and intolerance that these
attacks represent. Solutions must be reached
through constructive engagement and by working
together.

South Africa will not forget the hospitality and
support received from fellow Africans during the
Apartheid period. Africa opened its doors and
became a home for many South Africans who fled the
persecution of the Apartheid government. For many
decades, Africans fought side by side with South
Africans in the war against apartheid contributing
to the freedom we have today. Since the dawn of
democracy South Africans have lived together in
harmony across the country, including foreign
nationals from various countries and our African
brothers and sisters.

All the people living in South Africa have a
responsibility to ensure peaceful co-existence in
communities. Business, labour and civil society is
encouraged to educate South Africans on the need
for peaceful co-existence with all who live in our
communities. Parents must teach their children to
respect all people and their property. South
Africa is a democratic country that accommodates
foreign nationals that are in the country
legally.

The South African government will do everything in
its power to ensure that peace and stability is
restored for all who live and work in our country.

Source - Starrfmonline

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