GOVERNMENT WORKING TIRELESSLY TO STOP ATTACKS ON FOREIGN NATIONALS – DEPUTY MINISTER MASINA

GOVERNMENT WORKING TIRELESSLY TO STOP ATTACKS ON FOREIGN NATIONALS – DEPUTY MINISTER MASINA

The South African government is doing everything in its power to bring an end to the attacks of foreign nationals taking place in various parts of the country, and to ensure that residents stay in peace and harmony with foreign nationals. This was said by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mzwandile Masina. He was addressing the dialogue on xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals hosted by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. The dialogue, which was held under the theme “Advancing Social Cohesion-Stop Xenophobia,” took place at the Germiston Civic Centre today. 

“Government is worried about the cost and the negative impact of the attacks on foreign national on the country’s image and its economy. We cannot have these attacks continuing as they will hurt the African continent, particularly the South African economy,” said Deputy Minister Masina.

 He highlighted that South Africa was playing a vital role in intra-Africa Trade in order to accelerate regional integration and that he was concerned that the attacks would delay the process.

Deputy Minister Masina also condemned the attacks and extended an apology to the African continent. He further urged those who were involved in these attacks to stop embarrassing the country and reversing the historic achievements that the country had attained.

He assured the African continent that xenophobia was not a policy of the South African government and that government was working tirelessly to curb these attacks.

The Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Mr Mondli Gungubele reiterated the commitment of the Municipality to make sure that the attacks were curtailed and those affected have access to service delivery in a way of shelter, food, water, electricity and medication, amongst others.

Gungubele, who described the attacks as a human challenge, pleaded with the citizens of Ekurhuleni to stand together and ‘say no’ to xenophobia and to also understand the value of other human beings.

The purpose of the dialogue was to interact with the communities and promote peaceful co-existence with foreign nationals. It was attended by community members, political leaders, government officials, church representatives and representatives of the destitute foreign nationals amongst others.

Ekurhuleni is affected by these attacks and to date two camps accommodating over 1000 destitute people have been erected.