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30 May 2008

Churches, business and civil society have joined the chorus of condemnation of xenophobic attacks of foreign nationals.

Religious organisations and society pledged to co-operate with government to combat xenophobic attacks and ensure the realisation of the African Renaissance.

This spirit of co-operation emerged during the anti xenophobia-coalition meeting. The coalition was formed by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), business organisations and churches to mark Africa Day celebrations.

Delivering a keynote address at the event held in Regina Mundi Church where victims of xenophobic attacks were handed food parcels, Gauteng Local Government MEC Qedani Dorothy Mahlangu said that government was committed in finding long lasting solutions to bring to an unwarranted attacks directed to foreign nationals.

Mahlangu, who was joined by SANDF members, business leaders in Soweto handed over food parcels and clothes to church leaders in the area to distribute to displaced foreign nationals.

She reminded South Africans of the key role played by countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and many other African countries during the apartheid system in the country. "We cannot go on like this xenophobia does not have a place in this country. This country belongs to all who live in it irrespective of race, colour and creed. We are all Africans and should learn to live together side by side as we have been doing over the years," Mahlangu said.

Mahlangu also announced that all foreign nationals and displaced people will be moved to temporary shelters identified by government where they will be provided with basic health care, food and other essentials.

She said the Gauteng Provincial Government had identified suitable land for temporary relocation of the displaced and that it was important that they be reintegrated in to communities.

SANDF Colonel Sipho Majola echoed MEC Mahlangu sentiments calling on all South Africans to cease attacks on foreign nationals.

He said there was no reason for South Africans to vent their anger on vulnerable groups and urged them to refrain from such barbaric acts.

"This is totally unacceptable and it has to stop now. Let us love one another regardless of ones' place of origin. The donated food parcels and clothing items will be distributed to the new temporary shelters identified by government and municipalities.

For more information contact:
Themba Sepotokele
Tel: 011 355 5111
Cell: 082 490 9869

For media interviews contact:
Thabo Masebe
Tel: 011 355 6118
Cell: 082 410 8087

Issued by: Department of Local Government, Gauteng Provincial Government
30 May 2008
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gpg.gov.za)