R10m relief for foreign nationals gets city approval
The city has approved a budget of R10m to assist displaced foreign nationals and will help bear the funeral costs of two South Africans killed during the recent xenophobic attacks.
ETHEKWINI has approved a budget of R10 million to be used to assist displaced foreign nationals were were the victims of xenophobic attacks in the city and other areas of the province.
At a meeting of the city’s Executive Committee on Tuesday, the R10m was approved in addition to a further R15m from provincial government.
A report to the committee tabled by Communications Unit Head, Tozi Mthethwa revealed that there were about 5400 African immigrants at the three temporary shelters in Phoenix, Chatsworth and Isipingo.
To date more than 1200 foreign nationals have been successfully reintegrated into the communities they were living in previously and more than 2000 have been repatriated.
Apart from reintegrating displaced victims and creating peaceful co-existence in affected areas in the province, government’s focus is now on intensifying community dialogue across all levels. This includes engagements to address the concerns of locals and the local business people.
Mayor James Nxumalo said although the situation had stabilised, recent events had dented the country’s reputation.
“We need to make concerted efforts to ensure that we do not destroy the relationships we have with countries abroad, especially our African counterparts.”
Nxumalo also conveyed his appreciation to members of the community, non-government organisations, religious leaders and civic society groups who had donated food and clothes to the displaced.
“Councillors should continue to conduct social dialogues within their communities so that any issues that arise can be discussed and resolved amicably,” said Nxumalo.
The committee also approved two requests from families of two South Africans killed during the attacks to help bear funeral costs.
The family of Ayanda Dlamini, who was shot during an attack against foreign nationals at the Umlazi Station on 9 April 2015, and the family of Thabo Mzobe, who was shot on 13 April 2015 also during an attack against foreign nationals, both approached the city with requests for assistance with funeral expenses.
Both families’ requests were approved by the Executive Committee.
The assistance the municipality will provide will be according to each family’s request including hiring of a tent and a bus.
Mayor James Nxumalo has expressed condolences to the families of all those who died during the attacks.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this tragedy,” he said.
