President Zuma says xenophobic attacks impacting the country negatively

Lusanda Bill
23 April 2015

President Jacob Zuma held a stakeholder meeting in Pretoria where he said the latest attacks on foreign-nationals are impacting negatively on the country’s reputation. 

The meeting which was attended by over one-hundred stakeholders including government, religious and traditional leaders was also held to discuss migration policy and how sectors can work together to promote good relations between citizens and nationals.

Presidential Spokesperson Mac Maharaj said the meeting reaffirmed that the overwhelming majority of South Africans, including leaders attending the meeting that they are not xenophobic.

Maharaj said in his opening remarks, President Zuma outlined some of the concerns from South Africans about some foreign nationals, which include among others crime, unfair business practices, drugs, and influx of illegal foreign nationals.

Meanwhile President Zuma and the various stakeholders who attended the meeting acknowledged that there are genuine concerns raised by South Africans and should be taken seriously.

However, there is no justification for these attacks. A committee has been formed to find solutions to the challenges that have been identified in the recent attacks which have resulted in seven people being killed.

Presidential Spokesperson Mac Maharaj said the business sector has pledged to develop a plan of action which will see the sector also speaking out against attacks. The business sector further announced that it will be funding a campaign which will continue to reverse the negativity.

“The sports fraternity has also committed to use the sporting events they will be hosting to condemn these attacks and call for unity with fellow Africans” Maharaj added.

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