City launches xenophobia helpline
JOHANNESBURG – The City of Joburg is assisting in eradicating xenophobia by launching a helpline for people in distress due to xenophobia.
Vodacom has partnered with The City of Joburg to launch an operations centre to help people who are affected by xenophobia.
“Vodacom has partnered with the city to develop a response which would give them access to information on xenophobic attacks,” Joburg executive mayor Parks Tau said.
Emergency personel will be available by dialing *134*422# and they will be dispatched to the scenes of xenophobic attacks, looting or violence.
The city and Vodacom are also allowing foreigners R10 to makes calls to loved ones.
The city has organised artists, political parties and other organisations who will partner up with them to tour the city and visit xenophobic hotspots to give talks and educate the public as well as provide legal information for owning and running businesses so that all people operate on the same platform.
“This is how you register your company, this is how you trade, these are the by-laws you need to comply with so that everybody plays by the same rules,” the mayor pointed out.
A campaign has also been launched, for which a number of activities will happen in various affected areas in Joburg to eradicate xenophobia.
“Various civic organisations have also organised a peace march at 1pm on Thursday, at the Pieter Roos Park in Hillbrow,” Gaby Falanga reported.
For the full story visit https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/joburg-launches-xenophobia-hotline-1.1848399#.VTZZbYuUdL9
