ANCYL reaches out to foreigners
2008-05-31 08:01
Johannesburg - The ANC Youth League and other youth bodies on Friday launched a campaign against xenophobia, following the recent attacks on foreigners in SA.
Briefing the media at the Central Methodist Church in Johannesburg where a number of foreigners are sheltered, the ANC Youth League's president Julius Malema extended his apology and assured them they were welcome in the country.
"Those who took part in this violence do not represent us as South Africans ... they are criminals who wanted to steal from you, " he said.
He acknowledged that foreigners left their countries because of economic reasons and should be welcomed just as South Africans were welcomed when they had gone into exile in various African countries.
"The ANC understands that you played an important role in the liberation of this country."
Malema said the youth bodies would do anything to restore peace and people should not test their patience.
He also called on youths to reclaim their communities and unite against the "senseless" violence.
He added that criminals who inflicted violence on others should be arrested and prosecuted.
Inkatha Freedom Party Youth Brigade national chair Pat Lebenya-Ntanzi said the campaign was a way to voice concerns.
She questioned why the violence was only directed towards Africans.
"We've been indoctrinated to hate ourselves and anything that looks like us," she said.
Democratic Alliance youth leader in Gauteng Khume Ramulitho said people needed to embrace ubuntu and confront challenges as one.
He said the DA was against "these barbaric actions" and therefore encouraged the government to ensure more opportunities in terms of employment.
The youth bodies intended to focus on a solution to xenophobia through dialogue - especially among residents in communities.
The youth bodies would also petition the speaker of parliament for a week of debate on the xenophobia in parliament.
- SAPA