UDC condemns SA xenophobic attacks
Oarabile Mosikare | Monday April 20, 2015 17:05
The UDC Secretary for International Relations, Dr Prince Dibeela said since 2009 there has been a growing trend in South Africa for mob attacks on immigrants from other African countries.
“Some of these attacks have been so gruesome including the public lynching of individuals such as the burning of the Mozambique national that was beamed on television.
Whilst we recognise the pressure upon the economy due to increased numbers of immigrants in the country, this cannot be an excuse for such display of hatred for fellow Africans,” said Dibeela.
What is curious is that there are many other immigrants who come from other parts of the world who have not been met with the same kind of inhospitable reception.
He said there has to be a thorough interrogation of why these mob attacks are only targeting immigrants from the African continent.
He said: “The continued denial by those in leadership roles that these attacks are xenophobia, but merely criminal activity only helps to mask the real problem. Of course xenophobia by its very nature is criminal activity”. The UDC boss said, however, it is bothersome that such criminal activity is directed only at fellow Africans and not immigrants from Europe, South America, Asia and other parts of the world who are also in South Africa in large numbers.
“We hope the ministerial task force appointed by President Jacob Zuma will get to the bottom of this very sad phenomenon in what is otherwise a shining example of democracy. We need as Africans to reclaim the post-colonial dream of a united Africa that is self-sufficient, proud and welcoming to its people,” he said.