Although Tembisa has not experienced the most horrific cases of xenophobia as compared to other areas in the City of Ekurhuleni, the Executive Mayor Clr Mondli Gungubele has described the attacks as ‘unSouth African’, when speaking to residents of Makause.
Clr Gungubele told residents of Makause to prepare for a reunion with the displaced foreign nationals. The announcement by the mayor follows the Anti-Xenophobia Dialogue at the Germiston Civic Centre hosted by the Speaker of Council, Clr Patricia Kumalo on Wednesday April 22 in Germiston.
Clr Gungubele told residents of Makause to prepare for a reunion with the displaced foreign nationals.
Also present at the dialogue was the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Mzwandile Masina who encouraged South Africans to make a pledge to become active citizens who will say ‘not in my name will the blood of fellow Africans be shed’ during these attacks.
Makause and Marathon informal settlements were the most affected by the recent xenophobic attacks in the Gauteng province. While in Enhlanzeni Section on Friday April 17, a foreign-owned shop was burned down.
The incident in Makause has resulted in the displacement of just over a thousand foreign nationals who had to be accommodated at temporary camps in Primrose and Elsburg. However, the number has gone down to 540 as people have begun to voluntarily move back to their shelters.
“You must work with us as we try to reintegrate the communities of Marathon and Makause.”
“The time has come to put an end to this crime we are committing against each other as Africans. We cannot take joy at attacking other Africans. Today you must work with us as we try to reintegrate the communities of Marathon and Makause,” Gungubele said to loud cheers.
“You must get ready to welcome your fellow brothers and sisters back. They want to come back home but are scared of what might happen to them. Let us come together and assure them that their safety is guaranteed.”
“The time has come to put an end to this crime we are committing against each other as Africans. We cannot take joy at attacking other Africans.”
He also informed the community that plans were afoot to rollout a mass reintegration programme throughout Ekurhuleni.
Community leader Jomo Ngwenya assured the mayor that the community was ready to welcome back the people. “We are not proud of what happened in our area and we wish to guarantee the victims full protection.”
