In a forceful address aimed at calming rising communal tensions, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed his citizens, calling for an immediate end to the recent wave of violence against foreign nationals.
This is Ramaphosa reminding South African citizens that Africans supported the country during apartheid and remain vital partners in the nation’s future.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the South African President addressed his citizens after a series of targeted attacks and protests against undocumented migrants broke out in several major cities, including Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Tensions flared following reports of violence that claimed the lives of several foreign nationals and led to the looting of shops.
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 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 I 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 of 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.
Ramaphosa’s remarks come as several African countries have begun to take steps to secure the lives and properties of their citizens living in South Africa.
Some countries like Nigeria are also weighing the option of diplomatic sanctions against South Africa over the rising cases of xenophobic attacks.
