South African government has condemned the recent acts of violence against foreign nationals, saying "The impact of these attacks has far reaching implications on our economic, social and relations with the continent and the world."
Williem Lee from Tzaneen says "it's stupid. Everyone can live anywhere they prefer. Government should be doing something about this thing, but they are taking it lightly."
“At this point, Cabinet would like to extend its heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to those who are injured.
No amount of frustration or anger can justify these attacks and looting of shops.
Whilst noting the issues raised by communities, violence towards another fellow human being can never solve these issues,” read a statement from cabinet.
President Jacob Zuma told parliament last week “we condemn the violence in the strongest possible terms. The attacks violate all the values that South Africa embodies, especially the respect for human life, human rights, human dignity and Ubuntu. Our country stands firmly against all intolerances such as racism, xenophobia, homophobia and sexism.
Odas Ngobeni of Government Communications (GCIS) says the negative perceptions that foreign nationals are using resources meant for South Africans are invalid.
“No amount of economic hardship and discontent can ever justify criminal activity associated with these attacks. We must reject any suggestion that limited economic opportunities and rising cost of living is to blame for these attacks.
“President Zuma spoke about the need for us not to forget the hospitality and support we received from fellow Africans at our time of difficulties.
During apartheid, Africa opened doors and became home for many South Africans who fled the persecution of the apartheid government,” said Ngobeni.
Here are views from people, including views from some councilors at the Greater Tzaneen Municipality…
Maite Machaba from Motupa village says “It is not right of us to be killing our African brothers and sisters. We also have relatives working outside of South Africa, and they are not been ill-treated or killed like we doing here. They are living in those countries in peace. We must be ashamed.”
Nurse Mohale from Botludi village says “I am honestly feeling sorry for them. These people are here to find peace and some of them are even contributing to our economy, and we are killing them for no reason whatsoever. It’s disgusting what our people are doing to our fellow Africans.”
Councillor Leon Matita from the African National Congress says “government will not rest until all South Africans enjoy a decent and better quality of life. We are concerned with the senseless killing of foreign nationals. Many of our struggle heroes, including Mandela were once accommodated in some of our African countries and they were not mistreated. We owe it to African brothers and to ourselves to treat them with the same love and compassion they showed us.”
Councillor Rene Pohl of the Democratic Alliance in Greater Tzaneen says “We are against the killings. It’s very wrong. People must not take the law into their hands. It’s very bad for the image of the country. This thing is already scaring off our international tourists. It’s going to hurt our economy very badly. We must go back to the root cause, which is lack of jobs. We have very good laws in this country, but they are not implemented because of lack of leadership.
Presley Matlou from Modjadji says “These foreign nationals must not be killed or even beaten up. However, I think we must let them go home and live us with our country.”
Yasin Mailq from Pakistan says “It’s not good. We can’t be killing each other like this. We are all humans. We have to find a way to live together in peace. All countries have many foreign nationals, and we don’t see them being killed.”