Zuma condemns xenophobic attacks

06/04/2015 Durban Asako Makalala with her son Junior Lumandi at Isipingo beach sports ground. PICTURE: SIBUSISO NDLOVU

06/04/2015 Durban Asako Makalala with her son Junior Lumandi at Isipingo beach sports ground. PICTURE: SIBUSISO NDLOVU

Published Apr 10, 2015

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Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma on Friday condemned the current spate of violent attacks on foreign nationals and their businesses in KwaZulu-Natal.

“We would like to correct the perception that all foreign nationals or persons born outside South Africa who live in our country, are in South Africa illegally,” Zuma told guests at the unveiling of a memorial in honour of slain SA Communist Party leader Chris Hani in Boksburg on the East Rand.

Unrest flared in Isipingo, Durban this week as foreigners were attacked and driven out of their homes.

On Wednesday, police clashed with foreign nationals who organised a march against the attacks in Durban.

Zuma said most of the foreign nationals living in South Africa were skilled and contributed to the country’s development but conceded that there were also large numbers who were in the country illegally.

“Government is attending to that problem and will ensure that no-one lives in our country illegally.

“However, many foreign nationals live in South Africa legally and contribute to the life and success of the country. Many are recruited to bring much-needed skills that are scarce in our country that we need to develop our economy,” he said.

Zuma added that government would take action against illegal immigrants and those who trade illegally. Security at all ports of entry would be tightened to deal with the problem, he said.

ANA

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