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26 May 2008

Premier Ebrahim Rasool has praised the community of Masiphumelele for collecting stolen goods from houses in the area and for appealing to Somalis to return to their homes.

Addressing community leaders and members, Rasool said the Masiphumelele story was the best news he had had since the first attacks in the Western Cape last Thursday.

"You have made us proud to be Africans again you have made us proud to celebrate Africa Day you have restored our dignity and our honour," Rasool told community members.

"The leadership and people of Masiphumelele have done the unthinkable. Convincing people to return the goods which were stolen is a brave move."

"You have shown true leadership for the rest of our province and, indeed, the entire country. Leadership is not a position or a title. It is making decisions, even if they are unpopular."

The Premier also apologized in person to foreign nationals for their suffering at the hands of criminals.

Some 19 254 people from at least six nationalities had been displaced, one person had died and at least 20 people were injured since 22 May. Addressing hundreds of displaced foreigners at Soetwater near Ocean View on Sunday, Rasool said both government and the overwhelming majority of people condemned the actions of those who had committed crimes against fellow Africans.

"We are very, very sorry for everything that has happened to you, our African brothers and sisters," Rasool told the gathering. "We know that this is a very difficult time for you and we will do everything we can to support you. We know that many of you did not expect that this kind of thing would happen to you in the land of Nelson Mandela."

Rasool said the government's three-prong strategy was to ensure that whilst police stabilised the situation, shelter, food and blankets were a priority and, ultimately, the objective was to reintegrate those who had been displaced into their communities.

However, the provincial government would also arrange for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to visit the Soetwater site.

* At a press conference later, the Premier said 19 254 people from at least six nationalities had been displaced, one person had died and some 20 people were injured since 22 May.
* More than 200 people had been arrested and police were maintaining high visibility.
* The Premier again appealed to the public and corporates to provide food, clothing, blankets, plastic sheeting, nappies, baby formula and bottled water, amongst others.

Enquiries:
Palesa Morudu
Cell: 082 304 2425

Issued by: Western Cape Provincial Government
26 May 2008
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)