The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has described the attacks of foreign nationals specifically in the province of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa as “unacceptable, and unfortunate,” more particularly now as celebrations of Africa month approaches on 25 May where people remember the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, which played such a critical role in mobilizing international solidarity for the end of Apartheid.
Through AU Commission statement released on Thursday 16th April, 2015, Dlamini Zuma also says xenophobic attacks in South Africa are unacceptable whatever the challenges are, adding that no circumstances justify attacks on people, whether foreigners or locals.
The Commission Chairperson has emphasized that challenges faced by South Africa, like poverty and unemployment, are equally experienced by all countries on the continent and needs all African nationals to work together to address these, and build a better future for all Africans.
While appealed for dialogue in and amongst communities, to address the challenges and find peaceful solutions, the AU Commission welcomes the interventions from the South African government, including the deployment of the Inter-Ministerial committee to KwaZulu Natal to engage with those affected and with local communities, as well as the deployment of more police to instill peace and order.
Currently, Malawi government indicates about 420 Malawians are reportedly affected and are in temporary camps in South Africa. Only three (3) Malawians were seriously injured, one person heavily injured but the figure is expected to rise.
Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture hon Kondwani Nakhumwa says, Government of Malawi has set aside K30 million for the repatriation of its citizens wishing to return home voluntarily, escaping anti-immigrant (xenophobic) attacks.
Department of Disaster and Management Affairs is to coordinate the repatriation process with immediate effect and the returnees are expected this weekend.
Nankhumwa further says the Malawian Consulate and the High Commissioner’s office in South Africa are working hand in hand with the South African government on monitoring and assessing the situation on the ground on the production of temporally travel documents for the victims.
