27 March 2008
The African National Congress is deeply concerned at the recent attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, which appear to be perpetrated with increasing frequency.
Such violence must be roundly condemned as hate crimes, which resurrect the most virulent forms of racism and intolerance. This is particularly distressing in a country whose people have experienced institutionalised racism over centuries, and who have fought hard for the recognition of fundamential human rights for all.
The killings in Atteridgeville earlier this week, and recent attacks on Somalis and others, are an attack not only foreigners, but are an assault on the values of our democratic society.
Just as South Africans have effectively united against racism and sexism, the ANC calls on all our people to fight racism and intolerance directed against foreign nationals.
There needs to be an all-round effort to combat xenophobia and dispel many of the myths that surround immigrants and refugees.
The ANC calls on all state institutions and security agencies to apply the country's immigration laws in a consistent and even-handed manner, with due regard to the country's constitution and its international commitments.
The ANC calls on communities to assist the police in identifying and prosecuting those responsible for such crimes of hate.
More information: Jessie Duarte 079 506 6756