Xenophobia 'dented SA's image'

2008-06-10 12:26

Cape Town - South Africans will have to carry the guilt created by the recent xenophobic attacks for years to come, Home Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said on Tuesday.

Speaking during her budget vote debate in the National Assembly, Mapisa-Nqakula said the horrific attacks would remain embedded in the minds of many South Africans long after the displaced had been reintegrated.

"The real damage and after-effects of these acts of criminality, committed in the name of our people, will still be felt in our country long after the tents have been dismantled, and way beyond the street patrols of police and soldiers in our communities," she said.

Children who witnessed the attacks would be badly affected.

"It will remain in the minds of our children who witnessed and participated in these horrific incidents.

"It will define the lessons we are teaching these children about how they should deal with challenges and how to treat other human beings in the future," Mapisa-Nqakula said.

Apology

The international community now doubted the country's exemplary status following its declaration to fight xenophobia and racism.

"We need to answer the question as to why is it that today the world has reason to doubt our commitment to this very declaration made here on our soil."

Mapisa-Nqakula then extended her apologies to all South Africans and foreign nationals "who fell victim to the crimes of hate that have blotted our image at home and abroad".

- SAPA