South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed for tolerance and unity in the wake of xenophobic attacks against African migrants in his country.
At least two Nigerians have been killed since tensions
flared last month, with reports of looted shops and growing fear among pupils
of Nigerian descent, some of whom are now reportedly afraid to attend school.
African nationals from Ghana and Zimbabwe have also been
targeted in recent attacks.
Speaking on Tuesday after a meeting with Daniel Chapo,
president of Mozambique, Ramaphosa reminded South Africans that other African
nations stood by the country during its struggle against apartheid.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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 asked foreigners to ensure they have the right
documentation to reside in the country just as South Africans need to have
proper documentation to live in other countries.
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