Minister Mashabane says attacks on foreign-nationals are a threat to our historical achievements

Loyiso Langeni

17 April 2015

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane earlier today briefed African Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Pretoria on the latest xenophobic attacks in the country.

 

Minister Mashabane said the recent attacks on foreign-nationals are a threat to our historical achievements as a nation, more over the attacks go against the democratic values enshrined in the South African Constitution.

 

Minister Mashabane said the South African government use their tax on foreign nationals as a criminal offence that will not be tolerated.

 

Mashabane added that South Africa is a constitutional democracy governed by laws everyone working and living in the country must obey its laws in their totality, no one has the right to take the law into their own hands.

 

“The South African government will also do everything within its power to ensure the safety of all citizens and foreign nationals irrespective of their status.” Mashabane said.

 

Meanwhile Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps Ambassador Bene Mpoko said we should not allow the xenophobic attacks to continue otherwise the African unity will suffer.

 

Mpoko said as the African continent we can overcome this and it will make us stronger.

 

“Let the spirit of Ubuntu be the slogan but something that would conduct and guide us to bring us together.  Mpoko said.