Fund for victims of xenophobic attacks
19 May 2008
The South African Red Cross Society has launched a local emergency appeal for R1-million for the provision of emergency relief to victims of xenophobic attacks.
The funds will be used to improve the living conditions of displaced locals and foreign nationals in several areas of the country and to provide basic humanitarian care.
Violence broke out in Alexandra, north-east of Johannesburg, last week, with angry mobs demanding that foreigners leave the area. Foreign nationals, mostly from Mozambique and Zimbabwe, were forced to flee their homes and sought refuge at the Alexandra and Bramley police stations. Three people have been confirmed killed in Alexandra due to the attacks.
On Wednesday night, the violence spread to Diepsloot north-west of Johannesburg, where angry mobs looted spaza shops believed to be owned by foreigners. Residents blockaded the streets and stoned police.
The Red Cross said it was concerned that the violence can be spread to more areas. "These cases of intimidation and violence do not occur in isolation, the same pattern has manifested in brutal attacks against foreigners, South Africans or locals married to non-South Africans," the Red Cross said in a statement.
On Saturday, violence spread to other townships in Gauteng province, with at least 10 shacks gutted in the Pimrose area east of Johannesburg. Two Zimbabweans and a South African were also killed in Ivory Park near Midrand, Mozambicans' shacks were burnt in Thokoza, and one man was gunned down and 15 shacks burnt down in Tembisa on Saturday.
On Friday, a Somali shop owner was shot dead in Cape Town.
The Red Cross said volunteers and staff had assessed the needs of affected people, provided emergency relief and traced people who went missing during the violent clashes.
The estimated number of affected people so far is over 1 200, the Red Cross said.
To alleviate suffering and trauma, the Red Cross has been providing assistance to the displaced with 400 blankets, boxes of clothing, food parcels and hygiene packs being delivered by volunteers and staff.
"More aid is urgently needed, including additional blankets, food parcels, kitchen utensils and first aid kit items [which] will be covered by the budget of this emergency appeal for R1-million," the society said.
The society is also planning security crash training for their volunteers for safer access, and an anti-discrimination campaign to promote peace and respect for other people.
Companies, organisations and individuals who want to donate towards the local emergency appeal can deposit funds in the South African Red Cross Society bank account: Standard Bank, account number 071760563, branch Constantia, branch code 005309.
Source: BuaNews
