DURBAN - THE KwaZulu-Natal government has convened a meeting of the Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration Council to discuss the racial conflict, trauma and violence that have emerged in communities following the recent civil unrest.
The council expressed deep concern about the recent increase in the use of divisive language and racial profiling.
In Phoenix, several people were killed, while others were assaulted and had their vehicles torched in alleged racially-motivated crimes during the unrest and looting two weeks ago.
In his opening address, Premier Sihle Zikalala, who is also the chairperson of the council, warned that “irresponsible statements and polarising behaviour would push citizens further apart and drive the province into greater chaos”.
A total of 60 organisations attended the meeting, with representatives of civil society organisations undertaking to work together to build bridges of unity and social cohesion in the province.
The council resolved to adopt a practical programme to address the tensions.
The deputy chairperson of the council, Bishop Rubin Phillips, and members of the council, including former premier Willies Mchunu, will be holding engagements with KZN communities and will lead initiatives aimed at promoting peace and unity.
The council condemned acts of vigilantism and racism by criminal elements that led to the killing of people, and called for the law to take its course.
It also praised members of the community who had used non-violent and legal means to protect life and limb against the looters.
Among the Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration Council resolutions are:
- Bringing back stability and normality in the identified “hot spots”.
- Working towards the resolution and addressing racial tensions in these areas.
It said an immediate provincial programme would be rolled out to include:
- Providing support to families who have lost loved ones due to the unrest.
- Undertaking peace walks and rebuilding initiatives.
- Continuing community dialogues.
The Council expressed its support for the good work of the law enforcement officers.
It said it would support law enforcement in ensuring the perpetrators of criminal acts are brought to book to ensure victims receive the necessary closure for healing to begin.
The Council called on all members of society to join together and support the movement of bringing the province back to normality, peace and unity.
“What we do today to arrest criminality in all forms, rein in emotions and work hard on the ground with all our people will determine whether or not we have a prosperous future.
“This is the time to invest our energies in hope and belief that all our destinies as the people of KwaZulu-Natal and linked with each other. Let us turn our darkest hour into our finest moment.” said Zikalala.
THE MERCURY