STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
ON THE VIOLENCE IN KWAZULU-NATAL DIRECTED AT FOREIGN NATIONALS
16 APRIL 2015
Honourable Speaker,
Honourable Deputy Speaker,
Hon Deputy President,
Honourable Members,
Fellow South Africans,
During the past week we have witnessed shocking and unacceptable incidents of
violence directed at foreign nationals in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal, which has now
spread to some parts of Gauteng. Similar incidents had taken place in Soweto in
January.
No amount of frustration or anger can ever justify the attacks on foreign nationals
and the looting of their shops.
We condemn the violence in the strongest possible terms. The attacks violate all the
values that South Africa embodies, especially the respect for human life, human
rights, human dignity and Ubuntu.
Our country stands firmly against all intolerances such as racism, xenophobia,
homophobia and sexism.
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We extend our condolences to the families of all who have lost their lives and wish
the injured a speedy recovery.
We appeal for calm, an end to the violence and restraint. Criminal elements should
not be allowed to take advantage of the concerns of citizens to sow mayhem and
destruction.
Any problems or issues of concern to South African citizens must be resolved
peacefully and through dialogue.
The police have been directed to work round the clock to protect both foreign
nationals and citizens and to arrest looters and those committing acts of violence.
We urge communities to assist the police by providing information on the incidents
that have taken place in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal so that the perpetrators can be
brought to justice.
We thank religious leaders, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders
who are providing humanitarian assistance to the displaced people.
While we strongly condemn the attacks, we are aware of, and are sympathetic to
some of the issues that have been raised by affected South African citizens.
We reiterate our view that South Africans are generally not xenophobic. If they were,
we would not have such a high number of foreign nationals who have been
successfully integrated into communities all over our country, in towns, cities and
villages.
There are socio-economic issues that have been raised which are being attended to.
These include complaints about illegal and undocumented immigrants in the country,
the increase in the number of shops or small businesses that have been taken over
by foreign nationals and also perceptions that foreign nationals commit or perpetrate
crime.
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We wish to emphasise that while some foreign nationals have been arrested for
various crimes, it is misleading and wrong to label or regard all foreign nationals as
being involved in crime in the country.
In addition, not all foreign nationals who reside in our country are here illegally.
Many are in the country legally and contribute to the economy and social
development of the country. Many bring skills that are scarce that help us to develop
the economy and are most welcome to live our country.
Others came to South Africa as refugees having run away from conflict or wars in
their countries of origin, in the same way that many South Africans left this country at
some point and lived in other countries in the continent and beyond.
We were treated with generosity, dignity and respect by our brothers and sisters
from the rest of the continent. We will never forget that hospitality and solidarity.
The support of the Frontline states in Southern Africa and that of the Organisation for
African Unity was critical to the achievement of the freedom and democracy we are
enjoying today.
In this regard, Government will continue to play its role and fulfil our responsibilities
and obligations as members of the African Union and the United Nations.
Refugees and asylum seekers will be accorded support in line with international law
and protocols, with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees.
We appeal to our people to support and protect refugees and asylum seekers.
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During the weekend, I deployed the Ministers of Police, State Security and Home
Affairs to work with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial government to quell the violence
and bring the situation to normality. They have done well but the problem requires a
much more comprehensive and sustainable long-term intervention.
I have therefore assigned the entire Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster to
work on this issue intensively, joined by the Ministers of Social Development, Trade
and Industry and Small Business Development.
The security cluster and economic departments had already begun working on this
matter, following the Soweto incidents in January.
I have now directed them to work faster and to engage affected communities,
organisations representing foreign nationals, business, non-governmental
organisations and other stakeholders to attend to the concerns raised on both sides.
The objective is to avoid future incidents by improving relations and promoting
peaceful co-existence between citizens and our brothers and sisters within the
continent, as well as other foreign nationals.
We will also be seeking cooperation and support from the affected foreign missions
based in South Africa. The Minister of Home Affairs met with African Heads of
Missions last week.
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation will take these discussions
forward as well in her engagements with the African Heads of Missions as well
tomorrow, on the 17th of April.
We request Members of Parliament to work with us as well, in their constituencies, to
improve relations and promote peaceful co-existence between our people and
foreign nationals.
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Measures are also being put in place to improve controls and better regulate
immigration into our country.
In this regard, Government is making progress with establishing the Border
Management Agency, which will manage the border environment and all ports of
entry.
The capacity of the Department of Home Affairs is being improved to enable it to
better handle migration issues especially at border posts.
In this regard, the SANDF will transfer three hundred and fifty soldiers to Home
Affairs, to work as immigration officers at border posts.
Furthermore, the SANDF has deployed military personnel along the border line in
seven provinces to prevent border crime activities and illegal border crossings.
Fellow South Africans,
We urge all of you to exercise calm and restraint.
We also urge those who use social media, to refrain from fanning the flames of
violence on Facebook, twitter and other platforms.
We all have a responsibility to promote social cohesion, peaceful co-existence and
good relations in the country.
Foreign nationals help us to develop a cosmopolitan atmosphere and we welcome
their presence. We also want to see an increase in tourism figures from countries in
the continent and to share a lot of business opportunities as part of promoting
sustainable economic development in the continent.
The upcoming Africa Month celebrations in May provide an opportunity for us to
further promote our African identity and good relations with our brothers and sisters
from the continent.
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We look forward to the celebrations of Africa Day in every province on the 25th of
May.
Bakwethu, siyakhuza sithi asehliseni imimoya.
Ukuhlaselwa kwabantu bokufika kulelizwe akwemukelekile neze.
Sathola usizo emazweni amaningi ngesikhathi silwela inkululeko. Abazange
basixoshe noma basihlukumeze.
Siyazizwa izinkinga ezibekwayo njengokuthi abanye abangabokufika abanamvume
yokuba seNingizimu Africa.
Kubuye kukhalwe nangobugebengu obenziwa ngabanye bokufika kanye nokuthatha
amathuba okuhweba nemisebenzi.
Siyazizwa lezizikhalazo futhi sizozilungisa. Kodwa siyagcizelela ukuthi akukho
okungenza udlame lolu lwamukeleke. Siyalugxeka kakhulu.
Njengohulumeni siyayisebenza indaba yokuqinisa ezokuphepha emingceleni ukuze
abantu bangangeni ngokungekho emthethweni ezweni. Sesitshale namasosha
ukuze asize umnyango wezasekhaya, kuloludaba.
Honourable Members,
Let us work together to provide support to all foreign nationals who have been
affected by this violence.
The Freedom Charter says there shall be peace and friendship. Our responsibility is
to promote this legacy of peaceful coexistence and take it forward.
We also reaffirm our responsibility to contribute to a better Africa and a better world.
Let us work together to make our country a better place for all who live in it.
I thank you.
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MEDIA REMARKS BY MINISTER MAITE NKOANA-MASHABANE FOLOWING
MEETING WITH AMBASSADORS AND HIGH COMMISSIONERS FROM
AFRICAN COUNTRIES ACCREDITED TO SOUTH AFRICA IN THE AFTERMATH
OF ATTACKS AGAINST FOREIGN NATIONALS IN PARTS OF THE COUNTRY,
PRETORIA, 17 APRIL 2015
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen of the media;
We invited members of the diplomatic community accredited to South Africa, in
particular African Heads of Mission, to assure them of our Government’s
commitment to maintaining peaceful co-existence between South African citizens
and others nationals who live in South Africa.
We said to the African Heads of Mission that the violent attacks against foreign
nationals in some parts of the provinces of KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng are
despicable and that the South African Government condemns them in the strongest
terms possible.
As directed by President Zuma, the Government is implementing a series of
measures aimed at bringing an immediate halt to all the violence, looting and
displacement of individuals and families.
We took the African diplomatic corps into confidence on the practical measures that
are being taken by the security agencies to bring to justice those who are
responsible for the violence and related criminal acts.
In the new Constitution of our free and democratic South Africa, we made a promise
to ourselves and to the world that we would remain committed to the values of
human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights
and freedoms, non-racialism, non-sexism and the rule of law.
Furthermore, at the core of our foreign policy is the commitment we have made to
the world that we will always prioritise Africa in all our endeavours because we are
an integral part of the African continent.
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South Africa’s transition to democracy was one of the world’s most iconic testimonies
of tolerance and peaceful co-existence.
It is therefore with a deep sense of pain and regret that we as the South African
Government humbled ourselves before the African diplomatic community in our
meeting with them today; and we expressed, through them, our heartfelt apologies to
the African continent and people for the actions of those of our citizens who have
behaved in a shameful manner.
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. South Africa is
a multicultural society that welcomes and promotes interaction among people of
different backgrounds.
As you may be aware, South Africa is a signatory to various international obligations
that protect foreign nationals and refugees, including the Geneva Protocol on
Refugees. As a signatory to this Protocol, and as a country that cherishes human
rights, we have to protect the basic rights of every human being within our borders,
including foreign nationals.
President Jacob Zuma has on a number of occasions provided his leadership on this
matter by publicly condemning the unwarranted violent attacks on foreign nationals,
the looting of their business premises and appealed for calm and tolerance across
the country.
The President has also directed the Security Cluster and the Economic Cluster
Ministers to undertake a number of practical steps, including measures announced in
Parliament yesterday, to prevent further attacks and devise ways of maintaining
long-term peace and stability in the relations between South African citizens and
migrants from fellow African countries.
Government is encouraged by the united stance against the violent attacks against
foreign nationals by ordinary South Africans, as well as political parties, the faithbased community and other non-state actors.
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South Africa will not forget the hospitality and support we received from fellow
Africans during the difficult times of our anti-apartheid liberation struggle. During this,
time it was Africa that opened its doors and became home for many South Africans
who fled the persecution of the apartheid government.
It is in this regard that South Africa has since the advent of democratic governance in
1994, worked cordially with fellow African countries to consolidate bilateral relations
that are flourishing politically, economically and socially.
Ubuntu is the central concept of social and political organisation in the African global
outlook, consisting of the principles of sharing and caring for one another.
This is better captured in the Sepedi adage Motho ke motho ka batho, which means,
generally speaking, that to be human is to affirm one’s humanity by recognising the
humanity of others and establish mutually respectful relations with them.
As I conclude, let me reiterate the commitment of the South African Government,
working in partnership with sister African states and people to address underlying
causes of this recurring challenge in our society with a view of seeking sustainable
long-term solutions.
Thank you.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND
COOPERATION
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ADDRESS BY MINISTER MAITE NKOANA-MASHABANE TO AMBASSADORS
AND HIGH COMMISSIONERS FROM AFRICAN COUNTRIES ACCREDITED TO
SOUTH AFRICA IN THE AFTERMATH OF ATTACKS AGAINST FOREIGN
NATIONALS IN PARTS OF THE COUNTRY, 17 APRIL 2015
Programme Director;
Honourable Minister Gigaba
Honourable Minister Mahlobo;
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador M’poko;
Your Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners;
Members of Business Organisations;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
We have invited you to join us this morning as we reflect on the sad and tragic
events in some parts of our country characterised by violent attacks against some of
the citizens of your countries.
In the new Constitution of this free and democratic South Africa, we made a promise
to ourselves and to the world that we would remain committed to the values of
human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights
and freedoms; non-racialism; non-sexism and the rule of law.
Furthermore, at the core of our foreign policy is the commitment we have made to
ourselves and to you that we will always prioritise Africa in all our endeavours
because we are an integral part of the African continent.
South Africa’s transition to democracy was one of the world’s most iconic testimonies
of tolerance and peaceful co-existence. Under the stewardship of the father of a
democratic South Africa, Nelson Mandela, the country undertook an unwavering
dedication to democracy, human rights, selflessness, reconciliation, service to
humanity and a better life for all.
The recent attacks on foreign nationals, particularly fellow Africans from various
African countries, are a threat to our historical achievements as a nation. Moreover,
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the attacks go against the democratic values enshrined in the South African
Constitution.
It is therefore, with a deep sense of pain and regret, that we, as the South African
Government, humble ourselves and express our heartfelt apologies to the African
continent and indeed the international community at large for these unwarranted
developments.
The South African Government further condemns in the strongest possible terms the
recent outbreak of violent attacks in parts of the country against foreign nationals,
particularly fellow Africans from various African countries.
The South African Government views the attacks on foreign nationals as a criminal
offence that will not be tolerated. 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
enforce the laws of the country and will not hesitate to act against criminal activity or
those found to incite violence.
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. Similarly,
foreign nationals must meet all the legislative and regulatory requirements as
prescribed by our immigration laws.
South Africa is a diverse society that welcomes and promotes interaction among
people of different backgrounds. As such, nothing can justify the criminal activity
and intolerance that these attacks represent. Solutions can be reached through
constructive engagement and by working together.
South Africa adheres to various United Nations and African Union conventions and
protocols relating to the status of refugees. As a country that cherishes human rights,
we have to protect the basic rights of every human being within our borders.
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Your Excellencies,
The South African Government has thus far responded as follows to this matter:
•
President Jacob Zuma has on a number of occasions provided his leadership
on this matter by publicly condemning the unwarranted violent attacks on foreign
nationals and the looting of their businesses. President Zuma also appealed for calm
and tolerance across the country. The most recent of these statements by President
Zuma were issued at the National Assembly meeting at our Parliament yesterday;
•
President Zuma has assigned the Ministers of Home Affairs (Mr Malusi
Gigaba), Police (Mr Nathi Nhleko) and State Security (Mr David Mahlobo) to stop the
violence that has broken out in parts of the country particularly in the KwaZulu-Natal
(KZN) Province in some Durban residential areas. This includes the establishment of
an Inter-Departmental Task Team to coordinate the response;
•
A Panel of Experts has been set up under the leadership of the former United
Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Judge Navi Pillay. Its purpose is to
advise the Government on the integration of foreigners into the local communities on
an ongoing basis;
•
Additional law enforcement officers have been mobilised from around the
country and deployed to the affected areas to enforce the law and prevent further
attacks;
•
Thus far, a number of suspects have been arrested;
•
All district disaster management centres have been placed on high-alert. A
24-hour call centre has been established and remains accessible in the event that
further attacks of this nature occur in the future;
•
Shelters have been set up to accommodate displaced foreign nationals and
basic amenities such as water, sanitation, and healthcare are being provided;
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•
The South African Government is working closely with the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Children’s Fund
(UNICEF), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), as well as nongovernmental organisations to provide food, psycho-social and other support to
those affected;
•
The process of reintegrating those who were displaced back into their
communities has begun;
•
The Ministry of Small Business Development, will fast-track the
implementation of the National Informal Business Upliftment Strategy (NIBUS) as
part of addressing the concerns and challenges that face the informal business
sector. NIBUS is based on three key pillars, namely skills development among the
South African population, exploring partnerships between locals and foreign traders
and reviewing policies and regulations; and
•
Community engagements are being conducted through the Communities in
Dialogue programme, Community Safety Forums, Ward Committees, and through
Community Development Workers, amongst others.
We are also encouraged by the united stance against the violent attacks against
foreign nationals taken by various South African political parties. In addition, there
have also been commendable initiatives by ordinary South Africans who have taken
a stand against xenophobia in general by organising peaceful marches in the
affected areas, such as the Johannesburg Peace Bus initiative by a group of young
South Africans.
Your Excellencies,
Addressing the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Summit in Tunis, Tunisia
on 13 June 1994, President Nelson Mandela, had occasion to mention that:
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“Africa shed her blood and surrendered the lives of her children so that all her
children could be free. She gave of her limited wealth and resources so that all of
Africa should be liberated. She opened her heart of hospitality and her head so full of
wise counsel, so that we should emerge victorious. A million times, she put her hand
to the plough that has now dug up the encrusted burden of oppression that had
accumulated for centuries”.
South Africa will not forget the hospitality and support we received from fellow
Africans during the difficult times of our anti-apartheid liberation struggle. Our
continent opened her doors and became home for many South Africans who fled the
persecution of the apartheid government. For many decades, Africans made
tremendous sacrifices in fighting side by side with us in a war against apartheid,
contributing to the freedom we have today.
Since the advent of democratic governance in 1994, we worked cordially with fellow
African countries not only to consolidate bilateral relations which are flourishing
politically, economically and socially, but also to advance continental integration.
Inspired by the spirit of Pan-Africanism, the motive force of our liberation struggle,
South Africa’s foreign policy is driven by the vision to achieve a united African
continent that is peaceful, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, prosperous and which
contributes to a world that is just and equitable.
It was for this reason that we took a conscious decision in 1994 to integrate foreign
nationals into our society, rather than establish refugee camps. The recent events
require of us to come up with a comprehensive framework aimed at fully and
sustainably integrating our fellow African brothers and sisters.
South Africa pursues this vision, informed by the values of Ubuntu (Humanity).
Ubuntu is the central concept of social and political organisation in the African global
outlook, it consists of the principles of sharing and caring for one another. This
means, generally speaking, that to be human is to affirm one’s humanity by
recognising the humanity of others and establish mutually respectful relations with
them. Moreover, this adage teaches us that to denigrate and disrespect the other
human being is to denigrate oneself.
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I can therefore state with utmost conviction that the spirit of Ubuntu is tightly woven
in South Africa’s moral fibre, more especially in our interaction with fellow Africans
and the international community in general.
South Africa stands unwaveringly against all intolerances such as racism,
xenophobia, homophobia and sexism.
The South African Government, therefore, urges South Africans not to allow a few
individuals to reverse and undermine our historical achievements.
Your Excellencies,
As I conclude to allow more time for discussion, let me reiterate the commitment of
the South African Government, working in partnership with your Governments and
people, to address underlying causes of this recurring challenge in our society with a
view of seeking sustainable long-term solutions.
Our gathering today, which I hope will be one of open engagement, is, therefore, an
ideal platform that will facilitate the exploration of lasting solutions to this problem.
I thank you for your attention.
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MINISTRY IN THE PRESIDENCY: PLANNING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Private Bag X1000, Pretoria, 0001; Tel: 012 300 5200 / 021 464 2100
Statement on the Cabinet meeting of 15 April 2015
1.
Recent spate of attack on Foreign nationals
1.1.
Cabinet condemns in the strongest terms the recent acts of violence against
foreign nationals. At this point, Cabinet would like to extend its heartfelt condolences
to the families of those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to those who are
injured. No amount of frustration or anger can justify these attacks and looting of
shops. Whilst noting the issues raised by communities, violence towards another
fellow human being can never solve these issues. Rather, it reflects badly on us as a
people, going against the very ideals and foundations of our democracy. South
Africa fought against colonialism and Apartheid alongside fellow Africans so that all
humanity in our continent should be respected and treated with dignity.
1.2.
The impact of these attacks has far reaching implications on our economic,
social and relations with the continent and the world. South African companies who
are running successful businesses in the continent who help to contribute to our
revenue and sustaining our economy may suffer the same fate. Recently, South
African artists who were to showcase their craft outside our borders of our country,
such as BigNuz in Zimbabwe, Kelly Khumalo and Casper in London, have had their
concerts cancelled as a result of these attacks. Many of our communities who relied
on shops owned by foreign nationals for their bread and butter are now stranded.
Today, South Africa enjoys a free country, which was attained through the
contribution of a number of the African Countries. Our own late icon, President Oliver
Tambo was accommodated for close to 30 years in Zambia and many other South
Africans that lived in exile. Fellow African countries, did not only host our people,
they also contributed resources and some paid the ultimate price and lost their own
citizens in the course of South Africa attaining democracy. South Africa will never be
derailed from pursuing the Pan African vision as encapsulated in AU Agenda 2063,
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which was since pursued by our forefathers Kwame Nkruma, Azikiwe, Mualimu
Julius Nyerere and Nelson Mandela.
President Jacob Zuma has tasked the Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster
Ministers together with Ministers of Small Business Development, Trade and
Industry and Social Development to engage all the relevant parties to seek a
solution. The ministers have also been tasked to deal with the underlying socioeconomic conditions which seems to be at the heart of these attacks, so that this
matter can be dealt with decisively and comprehensively. The President has further
announced the measures undertaken by the South African National Defence Force
to bring control to our borders.
Cabinet calls on all communities, organizations and individuals to join hands against
these attacks. South Africa is not a violent country and therefore a few individuals
cannot be allowed to hold the whole country at ransom. Violence has never been a
solution for problems in any society and will never be in South Africa. Not in our
name!
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