Johannesburg - Political parties have agreed to postpone Parliament’s work programme to allow MP’s to focus on curbing the xenophobic violence that spread across some areas in South Africa.
“The postponement of the parliamentary programme will afford MPs of all political parties, through their constituency offices, an opportunity to interact with communities and work with various stakeholders to discourage the violence and mobilise communities against xenophobia,” the African National Congress in Parliament said in a statement.
“Only few MPs whose committees are involved in urgent business will be excused.”
Parliament would establish a multiparty committee drawn from both the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces. The committee would visit hotspot areas for attacks and investigate.
The attacks of foreign nationals started in Isipingo, Durban three weeks ago, and has so far claimed the lives of seven foreigners. Thousands of foreigners have been displaced, with hundreds of others opting to go back home.
ANA