Phumla Williams
Welcome to a briefing to provide an update on the work that the government is doing to bring an end to violence, looting and displacement directed at people from other countries who live in South Africa.
We would like to start by reiterating the South African government’s condemnation of the callous violent attacks and looting that have been witnessed in the past week, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and recently in Gauteng.
We once again unequivocally condemn the maiming and killing of our brothers and sisters from other parts of the continent. No amount of frustration or anger can justify these attacks and looting of shops. South Africa fought against colonialism and apartheid alongside our fellow Africans from the continent and the world at large. As a nation let us not forget the hospitality that was bestowed on us.
The law enforcement agencies will do whatever it takes to restore law and order within our communities.
Our actions have gone beyond condemnations. We have taken critical interventions which we will share with you.
To demonstrate the serious nature with which our government views the violence against foreign nationals, President Jacob Zuma has cancelled his visit to Indonesia. Yesterday, the president visited displaced foreign nationals in Chatsworth to assure them of our support as the government of South Africa. The president also engaged with the Umlazi community to spread the message of peace and tolerance. He will, in the next week, lead a stakeholder outreach programme around the country to engage communities to start a conversation within our society.
The government reiterates that attacks on any fellow human beings and destruction of property, as well as looting, are criminal offences and will not be tolerated. As a team of ministers assigned by President Zuma, we have been working closely with the KZN government to arrest the violence. We have in the past week been involved in numerous stakeholder engagements in the communities affected.
Meetings have been held with church leaders to appeal to them to preach a message of peace.
The ministers also participated in the peace march led by Premier Senzo Mchunu, where thousands marched to demonstrate their opposition to the violence. Engagements are ongoing with religious leaders, cultural organisations as well as civic structures to build a society-wide front against the violence.
Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba met representatives of the African countries. This was followed by International Relations Minister Nkoana Maite Mashabane meeting members of the African diplomatic community. This was to assure them of our commitment to ensure peaceful co-existence between South African citizens and people from other African nations who live in South Africa.
Many South Africans fled persecution and death at the hands of the apartheid government. Africa opened its doors to many South Africans. The diplomatic community has been assured of our commitment to resolve the tensions.
The Department of Social Development has provided food, shelter and other necessities to at least 1 026 displaced people in shelters in both Gauteng and KZN. Trauma counselling and debriefing services are being provided at the shelters. Specialised services are being provided to children in need of care and protection, including early-childhood development programmes in Isipingo and Chatsworth.
Government is working closely with civil society to provide all possible support to the displaced as they await reintegration into their communities. The departments of Social Development, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Community Safety are facilitating community dialogues in areas such as Umlazi and Chatsworth to ensure a smooth reintegration process.
We would like to thank the NGOs which continue to provide food to displaced persons. We request that those who need to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling call the Social Development trauma counselling toll-free number: 0800 428 428. The government continues to work closely with foreign missions in South Africa to ensure that displaced people receive all possible support.
We would like to commend members of the law enforcement agencies who acted decisively to prevent bloodshed between two aggressive groupings in the Durban CBD. We believe that their commitment to duty has prevented injuries and even deaths.
Our law enforcement officers are working very hard to ensure that those who are involved in acts of violence are arrested, charged and convicted. So far, 307 suspects have been arrested in connection with attacks on foreigners and public violence across the country.
In the past few days we have noted a new phenomenon of people making use of social media to instil fear. They have been sending out SMS and WhatsApp messages with fictitious and photoshopped images warning people of imminent attacks. We would like to thank the media who have been responsible in reporting the matter accurately, without sensationalism.
These messages appear to be orchestrated by elements bent on instilling fear. Government reiterates its resolve to stamp out all acts that seek to plunge our country into anarchy. The misinformation that has been happening on social media should be condemned by all peace-loving South Africans and foreign nationals.
Government calls on those who are involved in such acts to stop. Everyone should exercise their right to enjoy normal, everyday freedoms.
As the government, we remain alert. If there is any credible information that suggests a threat against any community, South Africans will be officially advised by the relevant authorities. We would not communicate through WhatsApp and anonymous SMSes.
The National Joint Operational Centre continues to operate on a 24-hour basis to co-ordinate the government-wide response. Provincial joint operational structures have also been activated to monitor and curb any potential threats across the country. We are constantly reviewing our security arrangements, assessing the current environment and determining what additional measures may be required. At this point, we are satisfied that the security measures currently in place are sufficient.
Government appeals to the leaders of various sectors of our society to echo its call on the people to refrain from any activities that may undermine peace, security and stability.
South Africa remains committed to addressing some of the issues that have been raised by communities.
South Africa is among one of the most diverse countries in the world, culturally and economically. We celebrate our diversity. As the team of ministers appointed by the president, the priority is to restore peace and order within the country.
Additionally, as Justice Crime Prevention Security cluster ministers supported by the ministers of Small Business Development, Social Development as well as Trade and Industry, we have been tasked to address the issues that seem to have caused tensions within the community.
South Africa remains a country that welcomes foreign nationals who contribute to the economic growth of the country and the continent. To the countries that continue to invest in South Africa, we want to reassure them that South Africa is a constitutional democracy governed by laws. Investors are welcome to do business in South Africa. Everything is being done to restore peace and order.
Government will enforce the laws of the country and will not hesitate to act speedily and decisively against any criminal activity committed by or against a foreign national or citizen of South Africa or those found to incite violence.
We also want to issue a stern warning to those who lend themselves to acts of public violence. We will find you and you will be arrested and sentenced accordingly. We warn especially young people, as having a criminal record can disrupt their lives.
We urge people with information on plans to cause violence or those who have witnessed acts of violence to contact one of the operational centres: National Joint Operational Centre at 012 640 9000/2/5; Western Cape at 021 466 0014.
Finally, we would like the overwhelming support of South Africans who have stood as true South African ambassadors and reflected the spirit of ubuntu. In various parts of the country, community members have stood in defence of foreign nationals. We have also noted messages of support, condemnation and solidarity on social media. This provides testimony that the overwhelming majority of South Africans are against the violent attacks against our brothers and sisters.
l Williams is the Deputy Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System