Reintegration of foreigners begins
Edwin Tshivhidzo
5 June 2008
The Tshwane Metro Municipality is to partner with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the United Nations on a campaign to reintegrate people from other African countries back into local communities following the recent outbreak of xenophobic violence.
Through the campaign, communities will be taught to live in peace with and be tolerant of people from other African countries.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Wednesday, Tshwane Executive Mayor Gwen Ramokgopa said the city, UN refugee agency the UNHCR and displaced community representatives would be working on the campaign.
UNHCR representative Abel Mbilinyi commended the South African government for the actions taken to stop the attacks.
"As the UN we are happy with the South African government's response in ensuring the safety of our people. We fully support the reintegration of displaced people back into society," he said.
In recent weeks, many people have been killed and scores injured, while thousands have been displaced and are living in tents, and thousands have been caught in the middle of brutal attacks on foreign residents in communities across Gauteng province.
The city has temporarily accommodated the displaced people in the suburb of Akasia, where they are staying in tents provided by the South African National Defence Force.
The city, in conjunction with NGOs and the UNHCR, is providing food and other essentials to the people from other countries. There is also a mobile clinic and medical tent on site to provide health services.
The mayor said the city would continue to do everything in its power to ensure that people from other countries were protected and cared for.
"The city wishes to thank all South Africans that have condemned the attacks on our foreign brothers and sisters and those who have provided support, as well as those who continue protecting their communities from further attacks."
Regarding water and sanitation, the mayor said the city's Public Works and Infrastructure department had been contacted to attend to the drainage situation, and that toilets would soon be serviced daily. Hot water was being provided, she added, while additional toilets had been delivered.
Source: BuaNews
