Metro pledges to make a stand against xenophobia
The Ekurhuleni Metro made a pledge against xenophobic attacks and threats, on Wednesday, April 22, at the Germiston Civic Centre.
“This is after the recent spate of xenophobic attacks which befell the country, said mayoral spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
During the day, the metro also hosted an anti-xenophobic dialogue.
“In an effort to advance social cohesion among its communities, the City invited various stakeholders, including foreign nationals, government departments of international relations, justice, home affairs and trade and industry along with civil society, to engage aggressively and robustly on the issue of xenophobia,” said Dlamini.
He said Ekurhuleni was the most affected since the xenophobic attacks spread into Gauteng.
“Already the City has established two camps in Primrose and Elsburg, respectively, which have accommodated in the region of one thousand foreign nationals.”
During his keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mzwandile Masina, encouraged South Africans to make a pledge to become active citizens who say “not in my name will the blood of fellow Africans be shed” during these attacks.
“We all have a role to play to ensure a peaceful co-existence in communities. Business, labour and civil society is encouraged to educate South Africans on the need for peaceful coexistence with all who live in our communities,” said Masina.
“Violence has never resolved problems but dialogue does.
“We need to understand the cause of these attacks for us to find lasting solution that will aid in preventing xenophobic attacks and ensure Africans live amongst other Africans in harmony.” – @NalediBoksburg
