VIOLENT xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals and their subsequent retaliation brought commercial centres in Durban to a standstill on Tuesday, a situation president of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Zephu Ndlovu has described as “grave.”
Ndoluvu, in a statement to Berea Mail this week, said the DCCI was saddened by the xenophobic attacks directed at fellow human beings, which had resulted in loss of life and property.
“The retaliation from the foreign nationals in Durban where the city was brought to a standstill in some major commercial centres is of great concern to us as the impact on people and businesses has deteriorated to a grave situation,” he said.
He added violence of any form was not acceptable – more so when it resulted in the loss of human life.
“As a Chamber movement, we call for tolerance and understanding as we espouse free market principles. More than four decades ago the SADC region, the African continent and the world over opened their doors to our freedom stalwarts in support of our course for freedom. Today the world and more specifically Africa are making that call to us to harbour refugees in need. Whereas there may be competing priorities that may raise tensions, we call on our people to exercise restraint, tolerance and understanding. Please think of fellow South Africans in the diaspora, who have found new homes away from home,” he added.
Ndlovu pledged support to the premier of KZN, Senzo Mchunu and the Mayor, James Nxumalo in calling for tolerance and restraint.
“The Chamber was part of a meeting with the Durban City Manager, COGTA officials, Metro Police, SAPS, religious organisations and representatives from different foreign organisations to create a forum were short term, medium and long term interventions will be discussed and action plans formulated,” concluded Ndlovu.
