Following the spate of xenophobic attacks which befell the country, Ekurhuleni speaker Clr Patricia Kumalo hosted the Anti-Xenophobia Dialogue at the Germiston Civic Centre, recently.
The dialogue created a platform for fellow Africans to engage on the source of the xenophobic violence and to also examine the impact that the attacks and threats have on the country’s economy and image.
During his keynote address, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Mzwandile Masina encouraged South Africans to take a pledge to become active citizens who will say “not in my name will the blood of fellow Africans be shed” during these attacks.
“We all have a role to play to ensure a peaceful co-existence in communities.
“Business, labour and civil society is encouraged to educate South Africans on the need for peaceful coexistence with all who live in our communities,” said Masina.
“Violence has never resolved problems but dialogue does.
“We need to understand the cause of these attacks for us to find a lasting solution that will aid in preventing xenophobic attacks and ensure Africans live among other Africans in harmony.”
The address was followed by discussions among invited representatives from various communities of foreign nationals, government departments including international relations, justice and home affairs, as well as civil society.
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