Threats of violence against foreign nationals in South Africa
Government has taken note of rumours of threats of violence against foreign nationals living in South Africa after the completion of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The key messages below clarify government’s position on the alleged threats and serve as a guide for government leaders and spokespersons when making public statements on the matter.
Government takes threats to security in a serious light, whether perceived or real
- Government is aware of and takes seriously rumours of violence against foreign nationals following the completion of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, the first hosted on African soil.
- Government has activated the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Xenophobia, chaired by the Minister of Police. The attention paid to this issue at the highest levels indicates the seriousness that government accords to the matter.
- Government is reviewing the development and implementation of its current immigration policy. This includes devising medium- and long-term plans to sustain peaceful co-existence between South Africans and foreign nationals in the country.
- Security forces are on the ground to ensure that peace and stability prevail across the country. These forces are on high alert and will not tolerate any form of violent behaviour by individuals or groups of people.
- Government calls upon South Africans to join hands with law-enforcement authorities in maintaining peace and stability in the country.
Criminals must not be allowed to tarnish the good name of South Africa
- Fundamentally, South Africans are welcoming, tolerant and peace-loving.
- However, as in all societies, there will be elements who will exploit any conditions to destabilise communities and commit crimes.
- Some of these elements are currently intimidating foreign nationals to commit common crimes.
- Government is taking measures to act against these elements who will face the full might of the law for any anti-social or criminal behaviour.
- We call on people to provide the police or community-based organisations with information about threats or incidents.
- We call on all South Africans and foreign nationals living in the country to join in all the efforts that are being made to build better and more cohesive communities.
We all have a responsibility to maintain peace and stability in the country
- The majority of visitors have singled out the humanity of South Africans for their warm and hospitable welcome as key contributors to the resounding success of the World Cup.
- To maintain the positive climate, government calls on all South Africans, individually and as members of organisations, to join hands with government, act in the country’s best interests and say “no” to xenophobia.
- South Africa, like most developing countries, has many socio-economic challenges, including poverty, joblessness, the spread of preventable infections and achieving good quality education. These challenges can only be addressed as we work together to improve our skills and quality of life.
Violence against those we perceive to be perpetrators of crime or of usurping scarce resources has never worked before and the only effect it can have this time is to negatively impact on the country’s reputation.
Source: GCIS
