Foreign nationals tell Committee that countries of origin are root cause of problems
The Ad Hoc Joint Committee on Probing Violence against Foreign Nationals today was told by some members of non-governmental organisations representing foreign nationals that socio-political problems in their countries of origin that are forcing them to migrate to South Africa are one of the root causes of the violence against foreign nationals in South Africa.
The Committee has also noted a submission made by some of civil society organisations that unemployment, poverty and income inequality are some of the root causes of the attacks that erupted against foreign nationals. The Committee has also noted the submission by the national President of the South African Spaza and Tuckshop Association (SASTA), Ms Rose Ntuli, that government needs to offer business skills and financial support to spaza shop and tuck shop owners in order for them to have their own wholesaler and distribution point. Contrary to the general view that there is fierce competition between foreign nationals and local owners of spaza shops and tuck shops, the Committee heard today from SASTA and the Somali Community Board that there are working together to share business skills and address bulk buying and distribution challenges.
The Committee has noted that the City of Johannesburg has a migrant help desk that provides migrants with information related to by-laws and access to services and smooth settlement of migrants which include those that are from other African states as well as other provinces within South Africa. More lessons can be drawn from the hands-on approach by the Premier of the Gauteng province in addressing root causes to the conflict between locals and foreign nationals in particular on his focus on revitalising township economy.
The Committee has also noted the appreciation offered by the civil society groups that made presentations today to the Committee and to the government of South Africa for prioritising this issue of violence against foreign nationals.
The Committee appreciates the input and contributions made by various civil society organisations representing foreign nationals, tuck shop and spaza owners and religious groups. It was also encouraging for the Committee to see a large number of South Africans and foreign nationals from different African countries coming together to offer solutions on how the violence can be prevented.
The Committee will continue with its oversight programme in Gauteng tomorrow by meeting with members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Jeppe and Moroka, Jeppe Hostel Izinduna, foreign and local people at Jeppe Hostel and with communities of Kagiso and Snake Park in Soweto.
See draft programme.
Enquires:
Faith Kwaza
Tel: 021 403 8062
Cell: 081 377 0686
E-mail: fkwaza@parliament.gov.za
