16 May 2008
The ANC Gauteng Province condemns acts of criminality and destabilization which include attacks on people, homes and properties in several Gauteng townships over the past weeks. There can be no excuse for this type of behavior.
Criminals are criminals whether they are South African or non South Africans. There is no excuse for random racist attacks on non South Africans. People should leave issues of illegal immigration to the government to sort out in a legal and humane manner.
Xenophobia is no different from the racism of apartheid. In the same manner that we fought against racism, sexism and all forms of discrimination, we must fight against the hatred of foreign nationals.
Over the past fourteen years we have delivered water and sanitation; built millions of houses; opened access to quality education and healthcare; and created work opportunities for many. We continue to intensify our efforts to build a caring society that provides services and opportunities for those who still do not have them.
The journey we have travelled thus far gives us hope. Where there are problems with the quality and administration of government service delivery, we ask our communities to raise their concerns without resorting to violence and criminality. We need peace and stability in our communities. Without peace and stability, development and delivery cannot continue.
The African National Congress Gauteng Province therefore calls on our people to help us fight criminality and destabilization by working with the police and community policing forums to restore law and order, report criminals who cause instability, protect women and children from assault and rape and prevent armed gangs from looting shops and homes.
We congratulate those of our people who are already working hard to stop xenophobia and criminality and we urge others to join them. This weekend ANC national, provincial and regional leadership will be addressing public meetings across the province in an effort to frustrate criminal elements who are using discrimination, hatred and fear to destablise our communities.
For more information contact Nkenke Kekana,
ANC Head of Provincial Communications on 082 900 0096