Meeting on displaced businessmen called off

THE Department of Transport, Community Safety and Liaison yesterday called off a much-anticipated meeting that was expected to find a way to reintegrate displaced foreign national businessmen.

The businessmen’s shops were looted in parts of the Inanda Ntuzuma KwaMashu (INK) area late last month after false social media reports that foreign nationals were abducting schoolchildren in various parts of the province.

The police subsequently warned people against spreading unconfirmed and unproven information through the social media.

The meeting, said to have been arranged by the department, was called off after the MEC Mxolisi Kaunda’s stand-in department head Themba Mavundla could not attend because of other commitments.

Kwanele Ncalane, Kaunda’s spokesperson, said the meeting was to be attended by local business people in the INK area, the area councillor, foreign national representatives and the police in an attempt to find an amicable way of reinte- grating the businessmen.

“We’re aware of the various sentiments that emerge in the area. When we go to the people on the ground, they say they want the victims (businessmen) back as they are helpful by keeping their shops open until late,” Ncalane said.

“We, as the government, cannot sit and fold our arms while we know that there are people who have been displaced and willing to return to their businesses.”

Police

Ahmed Mohammed, the KZN Somali Community Council spokesperson, who was at the KwaMashu police station for this meeting, said although he was disappointed by the postponement, he was hopeful that one would be rescheduled soon.

“A lasting solution is needed because this does not only affect us, but also the local community. We think there’s a criminal element in this and people should not be tempted to think this is xenophobic.

“The solution is for all concerned to sit around the table and find a way forward. If our local brothers and sisters feel that we know something which they don’t know in growing their businesses, then they must come to us. We are prepared to share how we conduct business,” Mohammed said.

He said they would know today about another date for the engagement.

Another victim of the looting, who asked to remain anonymous, said the community accepted them (foreign business people) and that very few had issues.

“The most problematic area is the KwaMashu Men’s Hostel where small businesspeople see us as a threat. We don’t force people to come to our shops and yes, we do assist community members when they are in need,” said the man.

Brigadier Richard Nzama, KwaMashu station commander, yesterday said local businesspeople’s refusal to allow victims to return was tantamount to admission of their involvement in the looting.

“If we all want peace, then why can’t we sit down and talk things through? You can’t say you are not involved in something bad while you are still against reconciling all the parties. We will continue to work with all involved to find a solution,” Nzama said.