The DA in Ekurhuleni has decided to be proactive in the wake of the xenophobic attacks that have gripped the nation.
“We owe it to the people who have been targeted to ensure their safety; this is why we have already taken steps to help prevent incidents from flaring up in our metro,” said Tania Campbell, DA Ekurhuleni caucus chairman and councillor for Ward 21, which has already experienced its first incidents of violence in the Makause informal settlement.
“We are not going to wait for the waves of violence and, while we strongly condemn these attacks, we are not sitting in our offices writing powerfully worded statements condemning the acts of violence.
“Instead, we are on the ground, where the people need us, actively trying to make a difference and putting plans into action to protect our residents.
“I have met with community leaders in Makause, as well as engaging in robust debates with the police to take measures to prevent these violent attacks from starting.”
Through discussions with church elders, Campbell and the metro have created places of safety, should families need to seek refuge, as well as setting up drop teams, to collect items for those affected by the violence.
“I really hope that the situation doesn’t affect our metro, but having experienced the situation first hand and at grassroots level in 2008, I want foreign nationals to feel safe knowing that we have done everything in our power to protect every resident of Ekurhuleni,” said Campbell.
The churches have stepped in and will be coordinating the feeding and donations from the Primrose Methodist Church, with the AGS Church assisting there, as well.
So far 1 060 people were placed in tents by 5pm on Friday, across from the Primrose Police Station, in Poppy Road, and the Primrose Methodist Church.
Emergency services will coordinate the people on the list who will be there.
“Things are under control at the moment and there is no reported violence at the informal settlement, however, there are rumours of attacks on foreigners tonight,” Campbell said.
“Any donations can go to the Primrose Methodist Church in Primrose.”
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