Riyaz Patel
“There can be no excuse for the attacks on the homes and businesses of foreign nationals, just as there can be no excuse for xenophobia or any other form of intolerance,” President Cyril Ramaphosa told the nation during a televised address Thursday.
“No amount of anger, frustration and grievance can justify such acts of destruction and criminality,” he said.
Ramaphosa pointed out that ” people from other countries on our continent stood with us in our struggle against apartheid.”
He added: “We worked together to destroy apartheid and overcome the divisions it created, where we feared each other and our differences were exploited.”
He said South Africa has achieved democracy thanks to the people of Africa “and must use this platform to live together in harmony.”
“We value our relations with other African countries and need to work to strengthen political, social and trade ties if we are to develop our economy and those of our neighbours,” he added.
President Ramaphosa said genuine grievances must be addressed through engagement and dialogue.
“But where people act with criminal intent, irrespective of their nationality, we will not hesitate to act to uphold the law and ensure order and stability,” he warned.
“We must act responsibly and stop disseminating fake videos, photographs and messages, especially on social media, with an intention of negatively portraying our country and its people,” said Ramaphosa.
“As a nation, we have endured moments of uncertainty before. As a nation, we have overcome conflict and achieved peace. Now, as a nation, let us once again work together to end the violence that has engulfed our streets, and damaged our economy and confidence in our country.”
The president called on all religious leaders and communities to lead the country in prayer and contemplation this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“In all churches, mosques, synagogues and temples, let us humble ourselves and bring healing to our nation,” he appealed.
