South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed claims that xenophobia is inherent in South African society, insisting that citizens remain united with other Africans despite recent attacks on foreign nationals. He made the remarks while calling for unity and restraint following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants, including Nigerians, Ghanaians……
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed claims that xenophobia is inherent in South African society, insisting that citizens remain united with other Africans despite recent attacks on foreign nationals.
He made the remarks while calling for unity and restraint following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants, including Nigerians, Ghanaians and Zimbabweans living in the country.
The appeal comes amid rising tensions that have reportedly left at least two Nigerians dead, while several migrant-owned shops were looted in different communities.
There are also growing concerns among families of Nigerian descent, with reports indicating that some pupils are now afraid to attend school over fears of attacks and intimidation.
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Speaking on Wednesday after meeting with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, Ramaphosa said South Africans should remember the support other African nations gave the country during the anti-apartheid struggle.
“South Africans inherently are not against people from other nations. We are one people, we have always been one people, and of course, we’ve got to also pay heed to the security of those from other countries who are in South Africa, but also pay heed to the concerns that are being raised by South Africans,” Ramaphosa said.
The South African leader disclosed that both countries agreed to collaborate in addressing the tensions linked to migration and security concerns.
“President Chapo and myself discussed this matter, and we agreed that we should work together. It’s not only one country that is affected.
“All countries that have foreign nationals in South Africa are also affected as South Africa is affected, so we must all work together, join hands, to find solutions to this problem. In the past, we have found solutions.”
Ramaphosa insisted that South Africans do not hate other Africans despite mounting frustrations over economic hardship and unemployment.
“And we say, South Africans do not have a hatred to other people from other countries on our continent. They supported us during our struggle,” he stated.
He, however, acknowledged the economic difficulties facing many South Africans and urged employers to comply with immigration and labour laws.
“As much as South Africans are going through tough economic challenges right now, we also need to be acting as people who are kind and welcoming to other people from other nations.
“But we also say to employers in South Africa, that we’ve passed a law that people who do not have the necessary work permits in South Africa should not be employed, we should give way to South Africans.”
Ramaphosa also advised foreign nationals residing in South Africa to ensure they possess valid immigration documents, noting that South Africans are equally expected to comply with documentation requirements when living abroad.
