African leaders blasted
Citizens ‘forced to flee countries for better life’
PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma pulled no punches yesterday, telling other African leaders it was their fault South Africa was faced with the problem of illegal immigrants.
Zuma suggested his counterparts were failing to take care of their citizens, forcing them to flee to South Africa for safety and a better life.
He was speaking at the Freedom Day celebrations at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where he also raised concerns about some serious allegations that needed the attention of the African Union (AU) and the South African Development Community (SADC).
Zuma refused to expand on these issues, saying he did not want to appear critical.
Instead, he would compile a report and submit it to both the AU and SADC.
“As much as we have a problem, our neighbouring countries contribute to this,” he said.
“It’s not useful to be critical of South Africa as if we mushroom these foreign nationals and then mistreat them.
“In a sense, everyone is critical of South Africa as if we manufactured the problem.
“But what caused them to be in South Africa? It’s a matter we can’t shy away from.”
At the weekend, the Nigerian government recalled its high commissioner, Martin Cobham, following the attacks.
International relations spokesman Clayson Monyela said yesterday the step was shocking given that no Nigerian was killed during the attacks.
On Friday, Zuma met representatives of foreign countries which he said gave him some insight.
This follows attacks on foreign nationals and looting of their shops, which started in Kwa-Zulu-Natal before spilling over to Gauteng.
Seven people, including three South Africans, were killed.
The crowd came yesterday to celebrate 21 years since the first democratic elections in South Africa.
But they used the opportunity to seek answers and express unhappiness about the influx of foreigners.
“We don’t condone the attacks, we support the call for unity, but we don’t want these people here. They must go back home,” Linah Masemola from Mamelodi said.
Zuma said a green paper on migration would be made public early next year to deal with the crisis.
On youth issues, Zuma called on business and labour to help in averting the “ticking time bomb” of unemployment.
“We need to sit and plan how we deal with it, otherwise it could be a ticking time bomb.
“We need to compromise ... We need to end the hopelessness and frustration.”