XENOPHOBIA INCONSISTENT WITH OUR VALUES - RAMAPHOSA DURING HERITAGE DAY ADDRESS

JOHANNESBURG - “We are, as South Africans, a friendly and hospitable people, and it is inconsistent with our values to be xenophobic.”

These were the words President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered during his Heritage Day address at the Union buildings in Pretoria on Saturday.

Ramaphosa said September 24 was a day for South Africans to appreciate the rich, diverse and common cultural heritage of the country.

“It is an opportunity for us to wear the attire that is unique to our respective cultures, to invite friends and family over for a home-cooked traditional meal, to play traditional music, and to pay tribute to those who came before us. Just as we celebrate where we have come from, we know that culture continues to evolve, adapt and change.”

Ramaphosa’s address preached a message of ubuntu in the wake of xenophobic attacks and a narrative around foreign nationals being pushed by some political and community leaders.

“Our heritage is also the best version of ourselves that we seek to become. I am referring here to ubuntu, which speaks to our innate spirit of generosity and human solidarity,” he said.

“It speaks to our compassion and kindness towards other people, especially those less fortunate, and also to those from foreign lands who have sought refuge here,” he added.

Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said this week that police had the right to conduct spot checks on immigrants and ask for documentation to determine their status.

He was criticised by civil society organisations for his decision to phase out the

Zimbabwean Exemption Permit, a special dispensation permit that was established more than 10 years ago, providing legal protection to an estimated 178, 000 Zimbabweans who live, work and study in South Africa.

Cabinet decided that the arrangement should be terminated by December and that permit holders should apply for a visa to remain in South Africa on the basis of a list of critical skills. – NEWS24.