'Xenophobia used by right wing populists'

Published May 21, 2008

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Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad condemned the xenophobic violence in Gauteng on Wednesday, hinting at right wing involvement in the unrest that has left more than 20 dead.

"We condemn in the strongest possible terms the xenophobic acts that have led to injury, death and destruction.

"We need to understand that xenophobia has historically been used by right wing populist movements to mobilise particularly the lumpen-proletariat against minority groups in society. Political mobilisation on the basis of xenophobia pose grave threats to progressive forces in our society and to our democracy," Pahad told an International Media Forum in Johannesburg.

He said the government task team investigating the "root causes" of these attacks considered the matter as urgent.

"Xenophobia and the related acts of violence against our fellow African brothers ad sisters have no place in a democratic South Africa," he said. - Sapa

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