Xenophobia related attacks
Amidst the recent disputes and attacks on foreign nationals within the Municipality, certain parts of the KwaZulu-Natal Province and the country, eThekwini Mayor James Nxumalo has once again pledged the City’s support to the fight against xenophobia-related violence.
After a successful Peace March last Thursday, and a packed gathering at the Moses Mabhida Stadium yesterday, where His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini delivered his much-anticipated address, Nxumalo said that efforts are underway to establish sustainable interventions to instil peace back into the Municipality.
“About ten thousand people attended the march, and it was clear that we all spoke in one voice; we want to see the end of these attacks on foreign nationals. We are hoping that these will subside and things return to normal. In addition, the crowd at the Moses Mabhida Stadium was a clear indication of the unity of the City and Province.”
Due to the number of foreign nationals displaced, it was imperative that the Municipality provide a temporary shelter to those that were affected by the attacks. Three shelters have been set up in Isiphingo, Chatsworth and Phoenix.
Shelter inhabitant numbers have been fluctuating since the start of the attacks at the end of March. Some foreign nationals have requested to be repatriated and this has happened in some instances due to the intervention by embassies and High Commissioners.
Nxumalo further expressed his appreciation to those that have come forward to assist with donations and necessities at these shelters. “The response from NGO’s and other organisations have been humbling. We are a caring City and will do our best to assist those affected and to re-integrate foreign nationals back into our communities.”
City Manager Sibusiso Sithole, responding to an allegation that there is pilfering taking place within the Phoenix shelter, stated: “There are monitoring structures in place however we will investigate any allegations made and take the necessary action. “
Status of action on audit committee issues
Stemming from a request that the City Manager provide an update regarding the issues raised by the Audit Committee, below are the highlights of the interventions and resolutions taken to respond to the issues in question.
- Appointment of the Chief Audit Executive in February 2013.
- Appointment of the Head: City Integrity and Investigations Unit. This further culminates good governance and transparent administration.
- The units are the guardians of the governance in the City and provide useful input for the Audit and Risk Committees to exercise effective oversight.
- Establishment of Audit Liaison Forums
- Continuous Audit monitoring: this is done on a monthly basis and reported to National Treasury and the Combined Risk Forum
City Manager Sibusiso Sithole said: “We are satisfied with the status of the issues but do make provision for improvement in all things we do. We aim to resolve all the issues by the end of this financial year.”
Partnership with African renaissance
The Executive Committee has agreed to once again host the African Renaissance Festival in the City of eThekwini. The festival plays a pivotal role in enhancing the social and economic agenda of the region. EXCO has lauded the event as it provides a platform to speak out against the scourge of xenophobic attacks that have plagued the City over the past few weeks.
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Nomvuzo Shabalala said: “We need to utilise all platforms to spread the message that we need to unite against xenophobia and assure Africa that South Africa is indeed a safe place to live in.”
Councillor Fawzia Peer added: “This is the ideal time to connect with organisations and stakeholders to re-affirm our commitment as a country that we need to unite as a nation.”
Furthermore, Councillors are urged to host events and consultative meetings, particularly around Africa Day, to speak to communities about uniting against xenophobia.
Enquiries:
Gugu Mbonambi
Tel: 031 311 4855
Cell: 079 751 4986
E-mail: gugu.mbonambi@durban.gov.za
