The Inkatha Freedom Party renews its call for active engagement with permanent residents and undocumented residents of South Africa ahead of the planned march by the Mamelodi Concerned Residents tomorrow.
“All too often such marches tend to become violent and destructive while the actual focus and concerns of citizens are forgotten. The South African Human Rights Commission is correct to call on the authorities in Tshwane to take the necessary security precautions to prevent violence and looting that has characterised such marches in the past. It would be unfortunate and counter-productive should innocent people become victims and businesses be vandalised while the country grapples with such a delicate matter. Although authorities have been conducting searches and arresting illegal immigrants, these actions have been few and far between. There is a need for far more concerted and well-coordinated efforts on the part of authorities in order to address the concerns of citizens”, said IFP National Chairman, Mr Blessed Gwala MPL.
“We are mindful of the concerns of the Mamelodi Concerned Residents with regard to job opportunities, drug peddling, prostitution and access to business opportunities. These concerns are real and touch the lives of people across the country and therefore there is an urgent need for constructive engagement initiated by government and inclusive of all stakeholders in order that creative and long-lasting solutions may be found. The goal must be to achieve peaceful co-existence amongst South African citizens and citizens from our neighbouring countries. Our country has the potential to provide a decent living for all who live in it. There should be no reason why citizens would have to resort to violence and acts of xenophobia in order to have their concerns addressed,” concluded Mr Gwala.
Issued by:
Mr Blessed Gwala
IFP National Chairperson
078 290 5842
