Not all South Africans are xenophobic - SA businesswoman
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Tuesday April 21, 2015 12:08
Mahanyele said she was shocked by the recent spate of violence that occurred in her home country.
Speaking at BOCCIM Women’s Power Seminar held in Cresta Lodge on Saturday, Mahanyele said xenophobia was unacceptable, emphasising that Africans had to be united and care for one another, instead of killing each other.
Mahanyele described the recent xenophobic attacks as ‘disgusting and immoral’. “It is very sad for someone who is not educated; sitting at home to feel threatened by someone educated who comes to add value to our country. I hope our country will take a strong stand against these xenophobic attacks,” she said.
Last week, xenophobic violence in South Africa spread from Durban townships to Johannesburg and Benoni on the East Rand, Gauteng.
Eight deaths related to the attacks, were reported.
Mahanyele called on president Jacob Zuma to take stiff action against those caught in xenophobia attacks.
She explained that foreigners who went to either work in SA or invest there could have gone somewhere else, but chose to add value in her country. She said they did not have to be crucified for helping diversifying SA’s economy, adding that due to these attacks, the Malawian and Mozambican governments have ferried busloads of their citizens away from Durban.
African countries have strongly condemned the attacks and demanded firm action from the South African government.