Churches plead for Alex peace
2008-05-15 19:04
Johannesburg - South Africans must not make foreign nationals scapegoats for their complex problems, said the SA Council of Churches (SACC) on Thursday.
This comes after a spate of violence in Alexandra where foreigners were attacked and ordered to go back to their countries by local residents.
SACC secretary-general Eddie Makue said: "We condemn the acts of violence targeted against foreigners. During apartheid they welcomed those who had been uprooted by political turmoil."
He said the council was prepared to work with those in affected areas to address the underlying factors that have given rise to "rootlessness and frustration".
"South Africans should do more to promote security and political stability and ensure equitable sharing of resources," said Makue.
On Wednesday, a crisis committee of local church leaders was established in an attempt to build peace, security and justice for all regardless of their national origins, said Makue.
- SAPA