Xeno attacks discussed in Mabopane
The government deploys ministers to discuss xenophobic attacks with communities.
Ways to end attacks on foreign nationals were discussed during a ministerial visit to Mabopane on Tuesday.
Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane Mokonyane met residents in the Mabopane Community Hall to convey the government’s stance against such attacks.
“We are here as part of the South African government to come and re-emphasise that we condemn any form of senseless killings and attacks on our brothers and sisters of African origin,” she said.
The meeting formed part of a government outreach programme aimed at getting to the root cause of attacks on foreign nationals. Last Thursday, she had similar discussions with residents at Block XX Community Hall in Soshanguve.
Said Mokonyane: “Of importance for us is that we stamp out this form of criminality. We must take over our streets, we must know who our neighbours are.”
She urged communities to form street committees and see to it that ward committees functioned effectively.
The minister reminded people that many African countries helped in South Africa’s attainment of democracy.
“All of us as South Africans must appreciate that our freedom came because many other countries fought for our liberation.”
She called for a long-term solution to prevent attacks from happening.
“We can’t allow a situation where all of us as South Africans are being branded as people who do not love our own African brothers and sisters.”
The minister said criminal elements were taking advantage of the situation. She urged communities to play a role in isolating criminal elements in their midst… We must expose them,” said Mokonyane.
South Africa belonged to all who lived in it. People had to change their misperceptions that foreign nationals were stealing jobs belonging to locals.
“We can’t attack innocent people,” said the Mokonyane, adding that the issue was not only for government to address but for society as a whole.
“We will win [the battle against attacks on foreign nationals]. It may not be an overnight exercise but it is better than what it was yesterday.”
Grade 12 pupil Jacob Ramaano said the attacks on foreign nationals were hurtful as those being targeted were fellow-Africans.
“These attacks are embarrassing. We as Africans need to unite and be one,” the 19-year-old told a packed community hall.
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