Riyaz Patel
The International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister says the African Diaspora Community– which works closely within communities — may have suggestions that can help end tensions between South Africans and foreign nationals.
Speaking at a meeting with the African Diaspora on Friday, Naledi Pandor called on the African Diaspora to collaborate with South Africa following recent attacks on foreign nationals.
“I am told some of the organisations present here have worked on complex and challenging issues, and I hope to draw on your experience to develop effective responses. I wish us to collaborate to avoid more conflict and look forward to hearing your thoughts on what can be done,” she said.
South Africa’s most senior diplomat told the meeting in Pretoria that it is important to address the challenges of political and economic conditions.
“[These] condemn the majority of our fellow humans, particularly in poor countries, to the conditions similar to the ones on the slave ships that took our kith and kin away from the continent.”
Friday’s meeting came after President Cyril Ramaphosa said he had spoken to the former presidents of Mozambique and Tanzania to lead a fact finding mission to South Africa to probe for the root causes which serves as a catalyst for the social unrest.
Ramaphosa has also dispatched special envoys to several African countries in a bid to address recent xenophobic-linked attacks.
“I and all of DIRCO believe we cannot sit back and do nothing. We need your advice as to actions we should set in motion to prevent further tragedies,” said the Minister.
The origin and sources of the antagonism and anger must be identified, she said, adding that she supports police action against the perpetrators of crime.
“Many suspects have been arrested, and we trust that our criminal justice system will have suspects tried speedily and incarcerated if found guilty. We need to go beyond that.”
Pandor pointed out that communities feel alienated and displaced while also living with a lack opportunity and jobs.
“Whilst the attacks are aimed largely at African migrants, we have also noted that many South African citizens are also among the victims. The fact that the violence is associated with theft, destruction of property and murder points to motives other than the hatred of non-South Africans,” she said.
“We also need to find solutions to the management of migration on our continent,” said the minister.
