South Africa's ruling party condemns xenophobic violence
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) on Tuesday slammed the recent spate of violent attacks against foreign nationals, saying criminal elements are sowing discord in several Gauteng communities by exploiting grievances around unemployment, crime, drugs and migration.
ANC secretary general Ace Magashule said the national officials of the governing party had met on Monday to discuss the violence that has engulfed parts of the country over the past week.
"The officials were insistent that all acts of violence be condemned, including criminal acts directed at foreign nationals living in South Africa," Magashule said.
The party called on the government's Justice, Peace and Security Cluster to establish the immediate causes of the violence and identify those involved in fuelling it.
"The ANC has also heeded the calls to listen to the genuine grievances that South Africans have which may be giving rise to frustration and anger. The ANC calls upon government and social partners to accelerate efforts and work with greater impact to address the social and economic conditions of the South African people that fuel such acts of violence," Magashule said.
According to Magashule, attacks on foreign nationals run contrary to the "cherished principle of pan-Africanism and solidarity with oppressed peoples".
"South Africa is signatory to a number of international conventions around migration and refugee protection, and many of the foreign nationals in our country have fled war and oppression in their countries. All citizens should be proud that South Africa - with its strong human rights culture, Constitution and refugee protection laws - continues to offer safety and refuge to oppressed men, women and children from many parts of the world,” he added.
International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor on Monday met ambassadors and high commissioners from around the continent in an effort to ease tensions after a major diplomatic fallout.
Pandor blamed the legacy of apartheid, which caused economic inequalities in the country, as one of the reasons locals attacked “African brothers and sisters in a scramble for crumbs”.
Parliament is holding an urgent debate on Tuesday to address the crisis which saw at least 12 people killed and several foreign-owned shops and businesses attacked.
-0- PANA CU/MA 11Sept2019
