Due to the recent spate of attacks on foreign nationals living in South Africa, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, has cut her official trips to Turkey and Indonesia short a week earlier than they were scheduled to end. The minister deemed it necessary to be part of government’s efforts to address the prevailing security situation in South Africa. The main focus is to engage all the relevant parties to return calm to the affected areas and find a sustainable solution.
Minister Mapisa-Nqakula will join the team of ministers identified and tasked by President Jacob Zuma to deal with the situation decisively and comprehensively.
Furthermore, she would like to convey her sincerest condolences to those who’ve lost their loved ones and those who’ve been negatively affected by the attacks. She has condemned, in the strongest terms, the attacks and has reiterated government’s appeal for calm and restraint from all South Africans and foreign nationals.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans would like to urge South Africans to desist from attacking foreign nationals living in South Africa and well as citizens alike. The attacks on foreign nationals do not represent our democratic order and our diversity.
Violence meted out to anyone on the basis of their nationality is not a true reflection of who we are as a nation and it is punishable by law.
Perpetrators will face the full might of the law. Minister Mapisa-Nqakula will also be visiting volatile areas and affected communities.
Enquiries:
Joy Nonzukiso Peter
Cell: 082 991 0505
