Mbalula on the defensive
APOLOGY: WILL BE ISSUED FOR DEPUTY’S STATEMENT ON FOREIGNERS Mkongi’s ‘regrettable’ utterances condemned by SA Human Rights Commission.
Using Joburg mayor Herman Mashaba as an example, Police Minister Fikile Mbalula defended Bongani Mkongi’s controversial statement on foreigners in Hillbrow, saying his deputy was overwhelmed by the state of the congested area.
Mkongi came under fire for an alleged xenophobic statement after saying it was “dangerous” that a city in South Africa can “be 80% foreign nationals”. His utterances were strongly condemned by the South African Human Rights Commission.
Mbalula reassured the media during his 67 minutes for Mandela Day visit to Sunnyside police station that he discussed the “regrettable” statement with his deputy, but said it was not made out of mischief as Mkongi was on duty.
“I know the deputy minister did not say that out of mischief, but we made it clear that it must not happen again. I think that situation in Hillbrow overwhelmed him. Herman Mashaba raised it when he became mayor, because he was overwhelmed by what he saw.
“This is regrettable. We apologise for that and it will not occur again. It was wrong on our part to say those words in a moment of enthusiasm for our job,” he said.
He said Mkongi would not be facing any disciplinary action as the deputy was “hard at work”, but a statement of apology would soon be issued by the police department.
“Even myself, I could have uttered those words. I have spoken to him and we agree that it was too rough. I understand what he is saying about addressing the problem in Hillbrow. You can’t say it is a place occupied by South Africans. Those who are there illegally must get out,” said Mbalula.
Meanwhile, to honour Nelson Mandela Day, Mbalula conducted a walkabout at the police station, where he met the station commander to understand the operational challenges of the station.
“I need to understand the difficulties faced by the police and challenges of the police station. Mandela Day, for us, is what police should be doing every day, supporting, protecting and responding to crime.”