Press Statement on recent wave of racist and xenophobic violence in South Africa
Date:
April 28th 2015
Solidarity Peace Trust PRESS STATEMENT The Solidarity Peace Trust is deeply shocked and saddened by the recent wave of racist and xenophobic violence that has taken place in several South African cities particularly in Kwazulu Natal and Gauteng. As a human rights organisation working for peace and justice in Southern Africa, we add our voice to those of Civil Society, Government, Trade Unions as well as the peace loving South Africans in condemning these xenophobic attacks. We acknowledge that there are a number of social and economic challenges facing South Africa’s poorer communities. However there can be no justification whatsoever for these acts of violence. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of ordinary community members from Phoenix and Chatsworth near Durban as well as other cities across the country who responded so quickly to the call by ourselves and other NGOs for support and assistance to the displaced, injured and affected people. We thank the government of the Republic of South Africa, and the various African embassies for their support in assisting the displaced people who chose to return home. However our experience over the years tells us that the vast majority of foreign nationals will remain in South Africa and this will require that the government of South Africa strengthen its efforts in dealing more decisively with the structural causes of the xenophobic violence. ISSUED BY: Josephat Tshuma. (CHAIRPERSON) SOLIDARITY PEACE TRUST 38 MITCHEL DRIVE PORT SHEPSTONE
ENQUIRIES: SELVAN CHETTY 0396825869 | 0835561726 | Email: selvanc@venturenet.co.za For further information, please contact Selvan Chetty - Deputy Director, Solidarity Peace Trust Email: selvan@solidaritypeacetrust.org Tel: +27 (39) 682 5869 Address: No 38, Mitchell Drive Port Shepstone 4240 |
|
<< Previous: Zimbabwe’s Politics of Despair |
| Archive Index | |
Next: Zimbabwe Beyond July 2013: Prospects for rebuilding vibrant social movements >> |
)
The Solidarity Peace Trust is a non-governmental organisation, registered in South Africa. The Trustees of the Solidarity Peace Trust are church leaders of Southern Africa, who are all committed to human rights, freedom and democracy in their region. The objectives of the Solidarity Peace Trust are to assist individuals, organisations, churches and affiliated organisations in southern Africa, to build solidarity in the pursuit of justice, peace and social equality and equity in Zimbabwe.