Statement from Makana Mayor Nomhle Gaga on xenophobic attacks in Grahamstown
Statement from Makana Mayor Nomhle Gaga on xenophobic attacks in Grahamstown
As the Council of Makana Municipality we condemn the attack on foreign nationals' shops.
We appeal to our community members to refrain from lawlessness. Looting and vandalising other people’s property is unacceptable behaviour that will not be tolerated and is an offence for which you can be arrested.
Together with the South African Police Service, we have called meetings to give people correct information and stop the spread of unfounded rumours and gossip.
We need to get our facts straight and gather as much information as possible before reacting on accusations that are not thoroughly investigated and will put innocent people’s lives in danger.
The displaced residents are our brothers and sisters. They are Africans and they also have the right to live in South Africa as ordinary South Africans. We must learn to live together in harmony, as brothers and sisters.
Their businesses are also contributing to the economy and are creating jobs for our youth.
We must all act as responsible citizens because any action we take in Grahamstown has an impact worldwide and we will be seen as unkind, uncaring and xenophobic.
We have our own brothers and sisters in foreign countries – how would we want them to be treated?
Let us restore peace and harmony in our community.
Grahamstown is known as the City of Saints: we must keep it as such – violence will not solve anything. Instead it creates havoc.
