News / Africa
SA minister apologises for xenophobic attacks
01 May 2015 at 09:23hrs | Views
SOUTH Africa's Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Mzwandile Msipa has apologised for the xenophobic attacks that left seven people dead saying the neighbouring country was working to ensure that the violence against foreigners does not recur.
Addressing delegates at South Africa's exhibition stand at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair on Wednesday, Msipa said the violence threatened relations between the neighbouring country and other African countries.
He said South Africans appreciated the role played by Zimbabwe and other countries in liberating their country.
Msipa said any disturbances that occur in South Africa will have a negative impact on the continent and stressed the need for African countries to unite.
"The first thing that we want to say is to convey the message from the South African government on the recent issues that have affected our country, in particular some sporadic activities of xenophobia, which I must say we've been able to deal with," said Msipa.
"Unfortunately, some lives were lost in that incident, three from South Africa and four foreign nationals coming from different countries.
"We're saddened by the loss and we wish to apologise to the people of Zimbabwe who were affected by xenophobia."
He said South Africa would continue to put measures to fight xenophobia.
Already, he added, the army and the police had been deployed to bring the attacks to an end.
"The President of South Africa Jacob Zuma has also sent us as the executive to ensure that that we make our communities appreciate and understand the reason why some of the foreign nationals are in our country," Msipa said.
South Africa, he added, would continue working hard to make sure that everybody is safe and ensure that those who are staying illegally in the country are registered.
"We'll continue working with embassies to ensure that no lives are lost. I can assure you certainly that we've a responsibility as the South African government to protect the lives of foreign nationals regardless of their status," Msipa said.
He said President Robert Mugabe's recent visit to South Africa was a privilege and Zimbabwe should continue working closely with his country in all areas of trade.
"Three or four weeks ago President Mugabe came to South Africa with a delegation from the business sector. We assured them that we'll also come here with not less than 30 companies to exhibit at the (ZITF).
"We also invite Zimbabweans to come and showcase their businesses in South Africa and I believe there are a lot of opportunities," said Msipa.
Addressing delegates at South Africa's exhibition stand at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair on Wednesday, Msipa said the violence threatened relations between the neighbouring country and other African countries.
He said South Africans appreciated the role played by Zimbabwe and other countries in liberating their country.
Msipa said any disturbances that occur in South Africa will have a negative impact on the continent and stressed the need for African countries to unite.
"The first thing that we want to say is to convey the message from the South African government on the recent issues that have affected our country, in particular some sporadic activities of xenophobia, which I must say we've been able to deal with," said Msipa.
"Unfortunately, some lives were lost in that incident, three from South Africa and four foreign nationals coming from different countries.
"We're saddened by the loss and we wish to apologise to the people of Zimbabwe who were affected by xenophobia."
He said South Africa would continue to put measures to fight xenophobia.
Already, he added, the army and the police had been deployed to bring the attacks to an end.
"The President of South Africa Jacob Zuma has also sent us as the executive to ensure that that we make our communities appreciate and understand the reason why some of the foreign nationals are in our country," Msipa said.
South Africa, he added, would continue working hard to make sure that everybody is safe and ensure that those who are staying illegally in the country are registered.
"We'll continue working with embassies to ensure that no lives are lost. I can assure you certainly that we've a responsibility as the South African government to protect the lives of foreign nationals regardless of their status," Msipa said.
He said President Robert Mugabe's recent visit to South Africa was a privilege and Zimbabwe should continue working closely with his country in all areas of trade.
"Three or four weeks ago President Mugabe came to South Africa with a delegation from the business sector. We assured them that we'll also come here with not less than 30 companies to exhibit at the (ZITF).
"We also invite Zimbabweans to come and showcase their businesses in South Africa and I believe there are a lot of opportunities," said Msipa.
Source - chronicle
