Pretoria - Gauteng Premier David Makhura has called on all political leaders to do whatever they can to stop the attacks against foreign nationals.
“Let us unite in calling for calm, let us urge our people not to resort to vigilantism. We cannot afford to see the killing of foreign nationals. Let us all stand up and say not in our name,” he said while addressing the provincial legislature on Friday.
The Premier has condemned the acts of violence and intimidation against foreign nationals in Johannesburg and Tshwane.
He said there was no place in the country’s democracy for individuals who violate the right to life.
The Premier further urged all South Africans to change attitudes towards people from other parts of Africa and to fight against xenophobia wherever and whenever it manifests itself.
“Our diversity makes up the beautiful colours of the rainbow. Societal prejudices need to be tackled and we should not criminalise a nationality or criminalise the entire group but we should deal with the criminals.
“Those who are attacking foreign nationals may do it to you tomorrow. Stand up and be counted. You are your brother's keeper. The perpetrators of attacks against foreign nationals do not belong in our society. They must be prosecuted. We must defeat xenophobia like apartheid.”
Premier Makhura said Gauteng can take a lead in building a society that reaffirms the common humanity and common national identity.
Gauteng has established social cohesion champions to work with organisations and communities to build a common understanding and enable a favourable environment for peaceful co-existence.
Their specific mandate includes facilitating open and frank conversations on racism and xenophobia among various sectors of the population in Gauteng, and recommending a provincial plan of action to combat racism and xenophobia. - SAnews.gov.za
