Pull together to ensure better ties between all communities in SA

THE community of Umhlabuyalingana is in a rural local municipality in the north-eastern part of KwaZuluNatal, bordering Mozambique.

With its unspoilt natural and cultural attractions and world-famous conservation areas, it is a soughtafter tourist attraction. However, this area faces myriad social ills like many other places and communities in South Africa.

Last month President Jacob Zuma visited the area, having been alerted by residents and community leaders to high levels of cross-border crime affecting development in the area.

Following the visit by Zuma, the government, through the interministerial committee on cross-border crime, has been addressing some of the concerns citizens have raised.

The challenges in this area are by no means unique, but have an added dimension due to cross-border crimes such as car and stock theft.

There are few issues that divide people’s opinion as much as migration. A lot has been said about the benefits of migration versus potential downsides, as well as the pressing need for orderly and better regulated migration.

However, the real impact of migration is felt by those forced to leave their home nations in search of refuge. It is felt keenly in communities that have to share scare resources with foreign nationals.

Government is aware of the many contrasting opinions and sentiments around migration, and will continue to work with all communities in addressing their concerns.

Nonetheless, we live in a constitutional democracy, and are a government guided by the rule of law, respect for human life, human rights, human dignity and ubuntu. These are also among the core values on which our democracy is based, and it would be a travesty if we act selectively in applying these.

Far too often conversations around migration are based on hearsay or anecdotal evidence. This dangerous state of affairs often leads to flare-ups or tension which at times may spill over into incidents of violence and looting. Government has been working at preventing such occurrences in Umhlabuyalingana, while addressing challenges.

The SAPS are spearheading operations in the area to combat vehicle theft, while the province has supplied the local police station with additional vehicles. There has also been enhanced co-operation between the SAPS and the SANDF, who both conduct operations in the border areas.

This integrated approach of tackling all the facets of the problem are part of government’s holistic approach to migration.

The inter-ministerial committee on cross-border crime has been at the forefront of tackling the social, economic and security aspects around migration.

It has also focused on illicit drug trafficking and contraband, undocumented migrants, human trafficking and prostitution, hijacking and illegal occupation of buildings, unlicensed businesses, illegal firearms and management of RDP houses.

These and other interventions are helping to address issues highlighted by communities, but they cannot work in isolation. When crimes are committed we need the support of communities. The reality is that crime and criminality can only flourish where it is tolerated.

Fighting crime should be a shared responsibility between the police, the community and the business sector.

We call on everyone to respect and cherish our constitutional democracy and to uphold the rule of law. Communities must report crime and criminality wherever it exists; when communities take the law into their own hands, nobody wins.

At the same time, government will continue to work hard to address the concerns of all who live within our borders. By working together we can create vibrant and sustainable communities and ensure better relations between all who live in our country.

Mkhize is the home affairs minister.