'No excuse for xenophobia'
06/06/2008 14:08  - (SA)  

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Cape Town - South Africans should take a collective vow that xenophobic attacks should never take place again, Arts and Culture minister, Pallo Jordan, said in Parliament on Friday.

Speaking in the debate on his budget vote in the National Assembly, Jordan said the violence was totally unacceptable and should be condemned as barbaric.

"Even as we bow our heads in condolences for those who have lost their lives we must take a collective vow, never, never again."

Jordan said although South Africa and all her people had been profoundly shamed before the world and the African continent, the outbreaks of violence could be attributed to the actions of a few hundred xenophobic individuals who represented only a tiny part of the population.

"There are no excuses and there is no acceptable explanation for these xenophobic attacks that targeted the humble dwellings, businesses and the very persons of fellow Africans, merely because they were born outside the country," he said.

Jordan said the actions of those who had given help, shelter and protection to the victims should be commended.

"The true face of South Africa, the humanity and warmth of our nation was expressed in the actions of thousands, including school pupils, who have responded to this crisis with profound generosity," he said.

- SAPA

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