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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