Musina applauded for living in peace with foreign nationals

MUSINA – COMMUICATIONS minister, Faith Muthambi commended Musina for its ability to live in peace and harmony with foreign nationals.

Muthambi led a campaign against xenophobia in Musina and the Beitbridge port of entry last week.

The three step event started with a peace prayer at Skoonplaas Stadium, followed by an interaction session with foreign nationals at the port of entry and wrapped up with a stakeholder engagement session at Musina Showgrounds.

Musina mayor, Mihloti Ramoyada, said the municipality was proud to form part of the united front against the attack of foreign nationals who are based in South Africa. “Musina has been known for its generosity in living with foreign nationals for many years. This is irrespective of the town’s strategic location as one of the busiest port of entry into the country. Since its establishment in 1905, no single incident of xenophobia was ever reported in this town. This means that Musina has a good story to tell,” Ramoyada said.

Muthambi said the recent wave of violence against foreign nationals that erupted in some South African towns left the country in chaos, and such events should be condemned in this democratic country. “We are here today to consolidate the call by government to play a meaningful role in the fight against the attack of foreign nationals in our country,” she said.

“Moreover, the attacks go against the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution. Many foreign nationals are living in South Africa legally and meaningfully contribute to our economic and social development. In instances where foreign nationals are in the country illegally or are involved in criminal activities, we call on all citizens to provide this information to the police. No frustration or anger can justify the attacks on foreign nationals and the looting of their shops. We are happy and proud that we don’t have such things here in Musina,” she said.

“The attacks violate all the values that South Africa embodies, especially the respect for human life, human rights, human dignity and Ubuntu. These attacks are unacceptable and should not be tolerated by any of us. A high level government team has been mandated by president Jacob Zuma to speedily deal with the situation and address the underlying causes. In the immediate term, the police have been directed to work round the clock to protect both foreign nationals and citizens and to arrest looters, and those committing acts of violence. We urge South Africans not to allow a few individuals to reverse and undermine our historical achievements,” Muthambi said.