Online Reporter
The United Nations Secretary- General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over reports of xenophobic attacks in KwaZulu-Natal.
He further condemned criminal acts perpetrated by individuals, inciting violence and exploiting socio-economic conditions.
In a statement in which he also extended warm greetings to mark South Africa’s Freedom Day, Guterres says that violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society governed by the rule of law and respect for human rights.
His statement follows reports of incidents in the province targeting Ghanaian and other African nationals over their immigration status in the country.
The South African government, including the Ministry of Police, has repudiated the attacks as directly opposed to the values on which the country’s democracy was founded.
Guterres recalled that the country’s struggle against apartheid was sustained through international and African solidarity, and that its social and economic development has long been shaped by the coexistence and contributions of people of the African continent and beyond.
Recognising the complex socio-economic challenges, he underscored that addressing concerns always had to be conducted lawfully without discrimination. — Reuters.
Bongani Ndlovu