RSA apologises to Zambia
SOUTH Africa has formally apologised to Zambia for the recent spate of xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in that country which had also negatively affected Zambian citizens.
President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa said he regretted the ugly incidents which, however, did not represent what his government and the people of South Africa stood for
Mr Ramaphosa formally tendered his apology to his Zambian counterpart, President Edgar Lungu and the people of Zambia at large, through the his special envoy, Jeff Radebe.
Mr Radebe, accompanied by President Ramaphosa’s international relations advisor Dr Khulu Mbata, South African High Commissioner to Zambia, Mr George Ntwala and his deputy Mr Clement Cameron yesterday paid a courtesy call on President Lungu at State House in Lusaka where he formally rendered an apology letter.
In a message delivered for him by Mr Radebe, Mr Ramaphosa also assured President Lungu that measures were put in place to ensure the safety of Zambians and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
Mr Ramaphosa said to that effect, he had instructed law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned to bring those involved to book.
He said so far over 700 people were arrested in connection with the xenophobia related attacks and would face the wrath of the law when convicted to send a strong message to would be offenders.
He also reaffirmed South African government’s commitment in ensuring both Zambia and his country continued to play a critical role in the rebuilding of Africa to attend the agenda 2063.
President Ramaphosa recalled with good memories the historical times that existed between Zambia and South Africa, saying during the dark days of apartheid, the people of Zambia not only stood behind their leaders like Oliver Thambo but housed them.
And Mr Radebe who said he once lived in Zambia, commended President Lungu for the massive infrastructure development.
Mr Radebe said due to massive infrastructural development taking place in Zambia, he was unable to locate where he used to live in Kabwata and Lilanda townships.
In receiving the formal apology letter from Mr Ramaphosa, President Lungu said he was gratified to be assured that the situation was under control.
President Lungu who accepted the apology said it was such assurances that Zambians were expecting from the South African government.
“And we can only hope that such matters will never reoccur again and that lessons have been learnt by the government on how to handle these matters,” he said.
President Lungu said xenophobic attacks were not good when SADC member states were advocating for regional integration.
He urged the people of South Africa to seek internal legal actions against foreign nationals in that country if aggrieved than butchering them in such a barbaric manner.