On Saturday 26 November 2011, Families South Africa held their annual Mini Men's March. Hundreds of children from various schools across the province gathered at Keizergracht on Saturday morning and marched to Parliament in support of the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Children. The following audio was first broadcast on Voice of the Cape on Tuesday 29 November 2011. This feature was produced by Dorianne Arendse...
16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Children by Darendse
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Commission of Inquiry launched into Arms Deal
President Jacob Zuma this week announced that a commission of inquiry will be launched into the Arms Deal. Two years ago according to the Presidency legal proceedings were instituted in the Western Cape High Court asking the Court to direct the President to appoint an indepedent judicial commission of inquiry into allegations of wrongdoing or to require him to reconsider his refusal to do so. It later transpired that the Western Cape High Court was the wrong forum to hear the matter. An application was then brought in the Constitutional Court. The matter is set down for hearing on 17 November 2011. Below is an interview I conducted with the spokesperson for President Jacob Zuma, Mac Maharaj about the commission of inquiry into the Arms Deal. This interview was first broadcast on the Voice of the Cape's Drivetime Show on 16 September 2011...
MAC MAHARAJ by Dorianne
MAC MAHARAJ by Dorianne
Somalia Day 10- Final update with Shafiq Morton
This is the last interview conducted with VOC Drivetime Presenter Shafiq Morton who was traveling with the Gift of the Givers Aid Mission to Somalia. Morton returns to South Africa today. This interview was first broadcast on the Voice of the Cape on 16 September 2011...
DT 16-09-11 SHAFIQ MORTON UPDATE 10 by Dorianne
DT 16-09-11 SHAFIQ MORTON UPDATE 10 by Dorianne
Friday, September 16, 2011
Somalia Day 9 - Update with Shafiq Morton
The following interview was first broadcast on the Voice of the Cape Drivetime Show on Thursday 15 September 2011. I spoke to Voice of the Cape's Drivetime Presenter and senior journalist, Shafiq Morton who is currently traveling with the Gift of the Givers to Somalia...
DT 15-09-11 SHAFIQ MORTON UPDATE 9 by Dorianne
DT 15-09-11 SHAFIQ MORTON UPDATE 9 by Dorianne
Somalia Day 8 - Update with Shafiq Morton
It is Day 8 for Gift of the Givers in Somalia. They are currently in the famine struck country to help Somalis who were dying of starvation. Our Drive time presenter and senior journalist, Shafiq Morton is with the aid mission. VOC Journalist Faatimah Hendricks spoke to him today. This interview was first broadcast on the Voice of the Cape Drivetime Show on Wednesday 14 September 2011....
DT 14-09-11 SHAFIQ MORTON DAY 8 by Dorianne
DT 14-09-11 SHAFIQ MORTON DAY 8 by Dorianne
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Somalia Day 6- Update with Shafiq Morton
It is day six of the Gift of the Givers Aid Mission to Somalia. The following is an interview I conducted with Voice of the Cape Drivetime Presenter, Shafiq Morton who is in the Horn of Africa. This interview was first broadcast on the Voice of the Cape on Monday 12 September 2011
DT 12-09-11 SHAFIQ MORTON UPDATE 4 by Dorianne
DT 12-09-11 SHAFIQ MORTON UPDATE 4 by Dorianne
Somalia Day 7 Update with Shafiq Morton
The following is an interview I conducted with VOC Drivetime Presenter, Shafiq Morton who is currently traveling with Gift of the Givers to Somalia, where a team of doctors is providing life saving medical treatment. This interview was first broadcast on Voice of the Cape on Tuesday 13 September 2011
DT 13-09-11 SHAFIQ MORTON UPDATE 5 by Dorianne
DT 13-09-11 SHAFIQ MORTON UPDATE 5 by Dorianne
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Day 3: In the Horn of Africa
Dorianne Arendse
The following is an interview I conducted with Voice of the Cape Drivetime Presenter, Shafiq Morton on Day 3 of his trip to Somalia. This interview was broadcast on the 9 September 2011 on Voice of the Cape.
DT 09-09-11 SHAFIQ MORTON UPDATE 3 by Dorianne
The following is an interview I conducted with Voice of the Cape Drivetime Presenter, Shafiq Morton on Day 3 of his trip to Somalia. This interview was broadcast on the 9 September 2011 on Voice of the Cape.
DT 09-09-11 SHAFIQ MORTON UPDATE 3 by Dorianne
Day 2 In the Horn of Africa
The following interview was conducted with VOC Drivetime Presenter on the second day of the Gift of the Givers Aid Mission to Somalia. The interview was first broadcast on the 8th September 2011 and was done via sat phone...
DT 08-09-11 SHAFIQ MORTON UPDATE 2 by Dorianne
DT 08-09-11 SHAFIQ MORTON UPDATE 2 by Dorianne
Day 1- In the Horn of Africa
Below is an interview I conducted with VOC Drivetime Presenter, Shafiq Morton, shortly after he arrived in Somalia, with the Gift of the Givers Aid Mission. This was first broadcast on the Voice of the Cape's Drivetime show on last Wednesday.
Interview with Shafiq Morton on his trip to Somalia, day one by Dorianne
Interview with Shafiq Morton on his trip to Somalia, day one by Dorianne
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Strike causes chaos
The National Heatlh and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) has warned people to stay away from state run hospitals and clinics as striking public servants embarked on a total shutdown of services. This comes as they rejected government’s latest wage offer of seven percent. Nehawu provincial secretary, Soroya Jawoodeen, staff at hospitals and clinics began picketing on Friday, despite all health workers being classified as ‘essential staff.’
“We have completely shutdown service delivery points. We spent most of yesterday mobilizing our members. Today, Tygerberg, Groote Schuur and GF Jooste hospitals are inaccessible to the public,” she told VOC News during an interview on Breakfast Beat.
When asked about emergency cases, she explained that shop stewards and marshals at the various picket lines will facilitate entry into the hospitals. “Chronic medication would be seen as an emergency. There is a ‘wall’ between the marshals and the police and this is not helping communication between our marshals and the public. We will keep an emergency lane open for trauma cases, ICU cases and maternity cases.”
Education
Meanwhile the Western Cape Education Department said its comprehensive three point contingency plan is in place to ensure that teaching still continues at school across the province. MEC for Education, Donald Grant, explained the plan is based on three main objectives: “to keep the learners safe and supervised, to ensure that teaching and learning continues as far as possible, and to manage the system so that it functions as effectively as possible despite the disruptions.”
“All our resources will be used to ensure that these objectives are met…to ensure that the rights of our learners are respected so that they can receive a quality basic education in these difficult times. The WCED has through its district offices, communicated with school management teams and governing body structures requirements for appropriate supervisory and safety arrangements,” he said.
Grant has urged parents and caregivers to send their children to school, until notified otherwise. “Yesterday there was isolated incidents of violence and intimidation throughout the province. These unlawful acts were effectively dealt with by Western Cape police. I wish to reiterate that we will use every available mechanism to ensure that the rights of children and teachers attending school are protected. Teachers who do not act responsibly face ‘serious consequences’ should they transgress the law.
Matric fears
Grant further explained that the Department had developed a number of curriculum support programmes, in an attempt to ensure that learning continues. “These programmes support all grades with a particular focus on our Grade 12’s who will begin writing the first practical examination of the National Senior Certificate Examinations in just 54 days time.”
“As part of the WCED’s ‘Own your future. Own your success. Study hard to pass YOUR matric’ campaign, the WCED initiated a number of tutorial programmes throughout the province during the second school term. The tutoring aims to increase the pass rate in high enrolment subjects with high failure rates and has garnered much support from the Grade 12 learners,” he said.
Grant urged Grade 12 learners to use their ‘Tips for Success’ booklet which will provide them with information on how to plan their revision programme and tips on how to study.
“We encourage our Grade 12 learners to use this booklet by ticking off what they know and how to identify areas where they feel they are weak and need improvement. Specific schools were also provided with extra past examination papers. We also ensured that all our Grade 12 learners received the necessary textbooks for major subject,” said Grant.
“We have completely shutdown service delivery points. We spent most of yesterday mobilizing our members. Today, Tygerberg, Groote Schuur and GF Jooste hospitals are inaccessible to the public,” she told VOC News during an interview on Breakfast Beat.
When asked about emergency cases, she explained that shop stewards and marshals at the various picket lines will facilitate entry into the hospitals. “Chronic medication would be seen as an emergency. There is a ‘wall’ between the marshals and the police and this is not helping communication between our marshals and the public. We will keep an emergency lane open for trauma cases, ICU cases and maternity cases.”
Education
Meanwhile the Western Cape Education Department said its comprehensive three point contingency plan is in place to ensure that teaching still continues at school across the province. MEC for Education, Donald Grant, explained the plan is based on three main objectives: “to keep the learners safe and supervised, to ensure that teaching and learning continues as far as possible, and to manage the system so that it functions as effectively as possible despite the disruptions.”
“All our resources will be used to ensure that these objectives are met…to ensure that the rights of our learners are respected so that they can receive a quality basic education in these difficult times. The WCED has through its district offices, communicated with school management teams and governing body structures requirements for appropriate supervisory and safety arrangements,” he said.
Grant has urged parents and caregivers to send their children to school, until notified otherwise. “Yesterday there was isolated incidents of violence and intimidation throughout the province. These unlawful acts were effectively dealt with by Western Cape police. I wish to reiterate that we will use every available mechanism to ensure that the rights of children and teachers attending school are protected. Teachers who do not act responsibly face ‘serious consequences’ should they transgress the law.
Matric fears
Grant further explained that the Department had developed a number of curriculum support programmes, in an attempt to ensure that learning continues. “These programmes support all grades with a particular focus on our Grade 12’s who will begin writing the first practical examination of the National Senior Certificate Examinations in just 54 days time.”
“As part of the WCED’s ‘Own your future. Own your success. Study hard to pass YOUR matric’ campaign, the WCED initiated a number of tutorial programmes throughout the province during the second school term. The tutoring aims to increase the pass rate in high enrolment subjects with high failure rates and has garnered much support from the Grade 12 learners,” he said.
Grant urged Grade 12 learners to use their ‘Tips for Success’ booklet which will provide them with information on how to plan their revision programme and tips on how to study.
“We encourage our Grade 12 learners to use this booklet by ticking off what they know and how to identify areas where they feel they are weak and need improvement. Specific schools were also provided with extra past examination papers. We also ensured that all our Grade 12 learners received the necessary textbooks for major subject,” said Grant.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Thousands march for better wage
DORIANNE ARENDSE
Some twenty thousand public servants took to the streets in Cape Town on Tuesday in protest of government’s revised offer of seven percent and a housing allowance of R630. Public servants are demanding an 8.6 percent wage increase and a R1,000 housing allowance. Various unions affiliated to trade union Cosatu as well as the Public Servants Association marched to Parliament to hand over a memorandum highlighting their demands.
Provincial Chairperson for Nehawu, James Kruger, told VOC News that they are also demanding the equalization of medical aid. “Level 1-3 workers who are the lowest paid government officials are given free medical aid. But that free medical only gives you access to a state hospital and we all know that state of our current healthcare system in the country. Those members that have the so called free medical aid actually don’t have access to health care. The subsidy from level 4 onwards is only a third of the medical aid”, said Kruger.
In addition he said the R1000 housing subsidy was not their initial demand. Kruger said that even that subsidy will not be able to cover their bond repayments. “A determination on your approval for a bond is made on your annual salary the majority of public servants cannot go to the bank for a bond. But we are saying for those who can at least a R1000 subsidy will do”, said Kruger.
He said the 8.6 percent wage increase which the public servants are asking for amounts to about R80 for the lowest paid worker.
“The level 1 worker gets about R40 000 – R50 000 a year. If you take an 8 percent increase on that it is not even R80, so it does not represent much increase for the ordinary worker. That is why we have always fought for a sliding scale increase. They have to improve the salaries on the lower level. The disparity between a level 1 salary and that of a head of department’s salary is too great”, said Kruger.
Some twenty thousand public servants took to the streets in Cape Town on Tuesday in protest of government’s revised offer of seven percent and a housing allowance of R630. Public servants are demanding an 8.6 percent wage increase and a R1,000 housing allowance. Various unions affiliated to trade union Cosatu as well as the Public Servants Association marched to Parliament to hand over a memorandum highlighting their demands.
Provincial Chairperson for Nehawu, James Kruger, told VOC News that they are also demanding the equalization of medical aid. “Level 1-3 workers who are the lowest paid government officials are given free medical aid. But that free medical only gives you access to a state hospital and we all know that state of our current healthcare system in the country. Those members that have the so called free medical aid actually don’t have access to health care. The subsidy from level 4 onwards is only a third of the medical aid”, said Kruger.
In addition he said the R1000 housing subsidy was not their initial demand. Kruger said that even that subsidy will not be able to cover their bond repayments. “A determination on your approval for a bond is made on your annual salary the majority of public servants cannot go to the bank for a bond. But we are saying for those who can at least a R1000 subsidy will do”, said Kruger.
He said the 8.6 percent wage increase which the public servants are asking for amounts to about R80 for the lowest paid worker.
“The level 1 worker gets about R40 000 – R50 000 a year. If you take an 8 percent increase on that it is not even R80, so it does not represent much increase for the ordinary worker. That is why we have always fought for a sliding scale increase. They have to improve the salaries on the lower level. The disparity between a level 1 salary and that of a head of department’s salary is too great”, said Kruger.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Public Servants strike looms
Dorianne Arendse
The Public Servants Association is set to embark on strike action next week after wage negotiations between government and the unions deadlocked a few weeks ago. The association is asking for an 8.6 percent wage increase as well as a R1000 housing subsidy. However the employer is only offering a 6.5 percent wage increase across the board and a housing allowance of R620 a month. The Deputy General Manager for the association, Manie De Clerq said there had been no further meetings with the employer and they have now served notice to start strike action next Thursday.
"As far as the offer is concerned from the state, the offer still remains the same- a 6.5 percent wage increase and a R620 housing allowance. We have been given a mandate from our members to reject the offer and to issue a notice to strike. On Wednesday we gave notice to the Bargaining Council that we will commence with strike action on 29 July 2010. The reason for this date is that in the Public Service we are required to give 7 days notice of a strike," explained De Clerq.
De Clerq said the represent approximately 210 000 public servants from different sectors within government. "It does include almost any occupation that you have in the public sector. We must however say that the PSA is on record and we have said this many times, we have not balloted workers that have been classified as essential service like doctors and nurses. However those who have not been classified as essential services are welcome to take part in the strike.
"It is also important to note that the mere classification of essential service does not mean that the work that those who have not been classified is not important. If one takes the immigration officers at the Department of Home Affairs, their jobs has not been classified as essential but they are the ones who control the ports of entry into the country. So if they down tools nobody can leave or enter the country," he said.
When asked about media reports which had indicated that the Minister for Public Service and Administration, Richard Baloyi's office was still in negotiations with the unions, De Clerq replied that the Minister can make statements to appease union. "He can only go back to the Bargaining Council because that is where official bargaining takes place when a different or an improved offer is made. If there are however bi-lateral meetings which takes place outside of that forum we are open to taking part in them and in fact that has happened.
"Last week the meeting with the Minister was such a meeting but it was not very successful. We have done that and we are on record to say that we will take part in any discussion to prevent this strike from happening. But we can't just go back to be told by the Minister like last week that he has nothing to offer. One cannot claim that as being discussions. A discussion must take us forward in order to try and avert the strike," explained De Clerq.
According to De Clerq there has been no movement in negotiations and therefore the decision to strike was taken. "This week there has not been any meetings in the bargaining council or bi-lateral meetings that have taken place with the minister. We find it strange that this is what media reports have indicated. I am not aware of any meetings that have been schedule for Thursday or Friday," said De Clerq
The Public Servants Association is set to embark on strike action next week after wage negotiations between government and the unions deadlocked a few weeks ago. The association is asking for an 8.6 percent wage increase as well as a R1000 housing subsidy. However the employer is only offering a 6.5 percent wage increase across the board and a housing allowance of R620 a month. The Deputy General Manager for the association, Manie De Clerq said there had been no further meetings with the employer and they have now served notice to start strike action next Thursday.
"As far as the offer is concerned from the state, the offer still remains the same- a 6.5 percent wage increase and a R620 housing allowance. We have been given a mandate from our members to reject the offer and to issue a notice to strike. On Wednesday we gave notice to the Bargaining Council that we will commence with strike action on 29 July 2010. The reason for this date is that in the Public Service we are required to give 7 days notice of a strike," explained De Clerq.
De Clerq said the represent approximately 210 000 public servants from different sectors within government. "It does include almost any occupation that you have in the public sector. We must however say that the PSA is on record and we have said this many times, we have not balloted workers that have been classified as essential service like doctors and nurses. However those who have not been classified as essential services are welcome to take part in the strike.
"It is also important to note that the mere classification of essential service does not mean that the work that those who have not been classified is not important. If one takes the immigration officers at the Department of Home Affairs, their jobs has not been classified as essential but they are the ones who control the ports of entry into the country. So if they down tools nobody can leave or enter the country," he said.
When asked about media reports which had indicated that the Minister for Public Service and Administration, Richard Baloyi's office was still in negotiations with the unions, De Clerq replied that the Minister can make statements to appease union. "He can only go back to the Bargaining Council because that is where official bargaining takes place when a different or an improved offer is made. If there are however bi-lateral meetings which takes place outside of that forum we are open to taking part in them and in fact that has happened.
"Last week the meeting with the Minister was such a meeting but it was not very successful. We have done that and we are on record to say that we will take part in any discussion to prevent this strike from happening. But we can't just go back to be told by the Minister like last week that he has nothing to offer. One cannot claim that as being discussions. A discussion must take us forward in order to try and avert the strike," explained De Clerq.
According to De Clerq there has been no movement in negotiations and therefore the decision to strike was taken. "This week there has not been any meetings in the bargaining council or bi-lateral meetings that have taken place with the minister. We find it strange that this is what media reports have indicated. I am not aware of any meetings that have been schedule for Thursday or Friday," said De Clerq
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Socio-economy behind violence
DORIANNE ARENDSE
Government needs address the socio-economic concerns of the local residents in the country as this is what has led to the recent looting of shops owned by foreign nationals in townships recently. This is the view of researcher and writer in civil society, Glen Ashton. Speaking to VOC News on Tuesday afternoon Ashton said the looting of the shops in various townships is not xenophobia but is merely a battle for scarce resources in the community.
"My believe is that this is not xenophobia but rather a battle for resources amongst the poorer sectors of the community. This is amongst the poorest of the poor who are competing for resources especially with those who have had better opportunities in education. I think that there is quite a deep degree of resentment but it is not resentment because they are a different race, but resentment that they are economically more successful. They are seen to be having access to an inordinate amount of resources that locals believe should be reserved for them," said Ashton.
Frustration
Ashton explained that what one is seeing at the moment is sheer frustration on the part of the local community. "I think what we are seeing is a profound frustration on the part in the poorer sector of society, who remain voiceless ten years after democracy and with the neo-liberal balance of economic power in South Africa and the way development has happened in South Africa.
"The social net has been widened but sufficient resources have not been put into areas where there is nothing. Through out Africa the heart of the community is the market where goods are traded. There has been no move to open up democratic markets within the poorer communities. It is interesting that a lot of the immigrants have basically moved into these niches which are still existence in some parts of Africa. But in South Africa these markets have been crushed and have been forgotten through apartheid."
He said that a lot of the acts of violence have not only being directed at foreign nationals but also at some locals who may not necessarily be in from the Western Cape. "What we have seen in South Africa is interesting because a lot of the violence has not just been directed at people from outside the country.
"It is also directed at internal migrants within South Africa, where we see people come down from Venda to the Western Cape who according to the Xhosa speaking locals are concerned come from ‘Ethopia'- the cultural differences between the two groups are so vast. So again you find people from within South Africa being targeted as outsiders because they do not speak the local dialect," he said.
Army
Ashton agreed with the South African Institute for Race Relation's (SAIRR) view that sending in the army and additional police officers may send out mixed signals as to whether the attacks are xenophobic. "I believe that it does because locals would then believe that the state is protecting the outsiders because in most places we know that the poorest communities are the most dangerous places live in.
"The security there is abysmal and now suddenly the police and the army is being brought in - why are these huge resources being mobilized to help the poorer sectors of the community. I think it is almost bound to bring some degree of resentment to the communities and the South African Institute for Race Relations is quite correct."
However, Ashton is not of the view that hosting a summit on xenophobia or on ways to address the socio-economic concerns of the community would be of benefit. "South Africans love sitting down around tables and I personally think we need to see more action. We need to see more resources being moved into townships.
"Unfortunately I think the heads of our security apparatus - the police - seem to be heavier handed in their approached and I think we need a little hand. We understand what is going on and it might be useful to discuss the issue. There have been various forums where this has been discussed in places like Masiphumele and Khayelitsha where there has been dialogue between conciliation experts," he said.
Job Creation
When asked if foreign nationals were more resourceful in creating jobs for themselves, Ashton replied that we should look at the wonderful resources that is being made possible by the foreign nationals. "South Africa is seen as a huge economic magnet within Africa and we have migrants coming in with various skills, enabling us to employ people with a large skill base. I think it is a matter of embracing rather than seeing the foreign nationals as a threat."
Ashton commended the media for highlighting the possibility of another outbreak of xenophobic violence. "The media always gets tagged as fuelling these rumours but I think the media was instrumental in sharing the information about what was initially happening out there. If we did not have good media reports we would not have know what was actually happening.
"So rather than putting a lid on everything like in the old apartheid days we need to have a transparent media. There is a very powerful attack on the free media in South Africa and there is all kinds of legislation in the pipeline," he said
Government needs address the socio-economic concerns of the local residents in the country as this is what has led to the recent looting of shops owned by foreign nationals in townships recently. This is the view of researcher and writer in civil society, Glen Ashton. Speaking to VOC News on Tuesday afternoon Ashton said the looting of the shops in various townships is not xenophobia but is merely a battle for scarce resources in the community.
"My believe is that this is not xenophobia but rather a battle for resources amongst the poorer sectors of the community. This is amongst the poorest of the poor who are competing for resources especially with those who have had better opportunities in education. I think that there is quite a deep degree of resentment but it is not resentment because they are a different race, but resentment that they are economically more successful. They are seen to be having access to an inordinate amount of resources that locals believe should be reserved for them," said Ashton.
Frustration
Ashton explained that what one is seeing at the moment is sheer frustration on the part of the local community. "I think what we are seeing is a profound frustration on the part in the poorer sector of society, who remain voiceless ten years after democracy and with the neo-liberal balance of economic power in South Africa and the way development has happened in South Africa.
"The social net has been widened but sufficient resources have not been put into areas where there is nothing. Through out Africa the heart of the community is the market where goods are traded. There has been no move to open up democratic markets within the poorer communities. It is interesting that a lot of the immigrants have basically moved into these niches which are still existence in some parts of Africa. But in South Africa these markets have been crushed and have been forgotten through apartheid."
He said that a lot of the acts of violence have not only being directed at foreign nationals but also at some locals who may not necessarily be in from the Western Cape. "What we have seen in South Africa is interesting because a lot of the violence has not just been directed at people from outside the country.
"It is also directed at internal migrants within South Africa, where we see people come down from Venda to the Western Cape who according to the Xhosa speaking locals are concerned come from ‘Ethopia'- the cultural differences between the two groups are so vast. So again you find people from within South Africa being targeted as outsiders because they do not speak the local dialect," he said.
Army
Ashton agreed with the South African Institute for Race Relation's (SAIRR) view that sending in the army and additional police officers may send out mixed signals as to whether the attacks are xenophobic. "I believe that it does because locals would then believe that the state is protecting the outsiders because in most places we know that the poorest communities are the most dangerous places live in.
"The security there is abysmal and now suddenly the police and the army is being brought in - why are these huge resources being mobilized to help the poorer sectors of the community. I think it is almost bound to bring some degree of resentment to the communities and the South African Institute for Race Relations is quite correct."
However, Ashton is not of the view that hosting a summit on xenophobia or on ways to address the socio-economic concerns of the community would be of benefit. "South Africans love sitting down around tables and I personally think we need to see more action. We need to see more resources being moved into townships.
"Unfortunately I think the heads of our security apparatus - the police - seem to be heavier handed in their approached and I think we need a little hand. We understand what is going on and it might be useful to discuss the issue. There have been various forums where this has been discussed in places like Masiphumele and Khayelitsha where there has been dialogue between conciliation experts," he said.
Job Creation
When asked if foreign nationals were more resourceful in creating jobs for themselves, Ashton replied that we should look at the wonderful resources that is being made possible by the foreign nationals. "South Africa is seen as a huge economic magnet within Africa and we have migrants coming in with various skills, enabling us to employ people with a large skill base. I think it is a matter of embracing rather than seeing the foreign nationals as a threat."
Ashton commended the media for highlighting the possibility of another outbreak of xenophobic violence. "The media always gets tagged as fuelling these rumours but I think the media was instrumental in sharing the information about what was initially happening out there. If we did not have good media reports we would not have know what was actually happening.
"So rather than putting a lid on everything like in the old apartheid days we need to have a transparent media. There is a very powerful attack on the free media in South Africa and there is all kinds of legislation in the pipeline," he said
Monday, July 19, 2010
Criminals behind xeno: Mtethwa
Dorianne Arendse
The Minister of Police Nathi Mthetwa, along with the Premier of the Western Cape Helen Zille and the Mayor of Cape Town Dan Plato on Friday morning addressed a media briefing at Parliament following the recent threats of xenophobic violence. Shortly before the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup came to an end rumours surfaced in the media that foreign nationals living in the country were at risk of being attacked by locals. These reports sparked widespread fear amongst the foreigners many of whom were displaced during a wave of xenophobic violence during May 2008.
According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Police, Zweli Mnisi the meeting between the Premier and the Minister of Police was fruitful. Mnisi said the Minister had acknowledge that while some may label the recent looting of shops owned by foreign nationals as xenophobia there are also criminal elements involved. "The Minister moved from a premise that although the rumours can be labeled as xenophobic threats there are some criminal elements who are taking advantage of the situation. During the meeting the issue of prevention was raised. All levels of government from national, provincial and local government need to work together to ensure that there is no outbreak of xenophobic violence," said Mnsisi.
Plans
In addition to this the Premier also shared the plans of provincial government strategy to combat any violence which may flare up. "The Premier shared with us the provinces proposed strategy which looks at amongst others disaster management, as well as the involvement of all stakeholders including religious leaders as well as early warning systems which they have been using in the province," explained Mnisi.
According to Mnisi, the Premier was also briefed on the plans of the inter-ministerial committee which was set up 2 weeks ago to deal with xenophobia. "The Minister also shared with the Premier the plans of the inter-ministerial task team which looks at various sectors like the continuation of the recent world cup successes from a view point of policing. So during the meeting we were able to find some common ground regarding the xenophobic violence."
World Cup Courts
When asked if the special World Cup courts would remain in place to deal with those arrested for inciting xenophobic violence, Mnisi replied that he is not able to speak on behalf of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development even though it has been indicated that the courts may remain in place. "I cannot comment on behalf on the Department of Justice but in terms of our interactions as a government cluster they have assured as that there are plans afoot to continue those courts.
During the World Cup there were some tangible results and good outcomes in terms of the police working together with the Justice Department in terms of prosecution. Part of dealing with these xenophobic threats which are in essence criminality we have had an assurance from Justice that they are ready to deal with this issue," said Mnisi.
Hotspots
According to Mnisi, the extra police officers deployed during the World Cup in the province will now be moved to potential hotspots in the province. "Some of the police officers were deployed at the stadia and hotels looking after certain teams that were in country. Now that those teams are no longer here it would be a strategic deployment to potential hotspots, especially since those officers are now trained and have more expertise when it comes to dealing with mobs and people who may just want to fuel violence.
"That experience cannot be taken away from the police that they have gained by interacting with their counterparts from around the world. They will not only be deployed in terms of hotspots but will also be used to set up random roadblocks," he explained. In addition, the provincial government has also deployed 20 mediation teams to various flashpoints in the province where either xenophobic threats or attacks have been recorded.
The spokesperson for the Department of Local Government in the province, Dr Hildegard Fast said provincial governments plan is to ensure that there is no outbreak of xenophobic violence. "Our plan is that there should not be any xenophobic violence at all. All of the measures that we have put in place are very much orientated to that. As the provincial government we have worked with police to ensure that there is an effective early warning system in place. This will ensure that any calls that come in to the provincial government or municipalities are immediately forwarded to the South Africa Police Force. We have also deployed 20 mediators in the most vulnerable areas. This is to ensure that some of the tension is addressed," she said.
Mediation
Fast said the mediation in various communities has gone very well. "There has been some fantastic work done on the ground by a variety of community organizations. Faith based organizations have been at work and also some civil society organizations. I think in a combined way the fact that there is very little to report in the last days speaks to the success of the initiative," she said.
According to Fast, they are doing everything possible to make sure that there is no escalation in acts of xenophobia. "We are doing everything we can to ensure that does not happen. I think that we have learnt some things from the xenophobic attacks during 2008. I think that because we do have an early warning system in place increases our chances of making sure it does not happen again."
She said that most of the pressure has been of the police force and not the Joint Operations Centre. "I think in fact that most of the pressure has been on the police, because in the first instance when there is any threat of violence or any violence starts to break out it is the safety and security response in the first instance and I think the police has responded very well. Because there has been so little displacement there has not been much humanitarian assistance that has been required on the part of the province or the city,"
Socio-economic factors
According to Fast, the socio-economic conditions in the country is playing a huge role in xenophobic attacks. "It is one of the key contributing factors to the fact that there might be tensions in the community. There will be competition for rare resources in the community between the locals and foreign nationals. So clearly this requires a multi-faceted approached. During the media briefing on Friday these issues were raised. We need to identify more economic opportunities for people.
"There is also the issue of transferring skills from some of the foreign traders to the local traders to ensure that there is less competition and we also need to have an education campaign. There are a range of things that local and provincial government can do to ensure that there are no further outbreaks of xenophobia in the province," said Fast.
The Minister of Police Nathi Mthetwa, along with the Premier of the Western Cape Helen Zille and the Mayor of Cape Town Dan Plato on Friday morning addressed a media briefing at Parliament following the recent threats of xenophobic violence. Shortly before the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup came to an end rumours surfaced in the media that foreign nationals living in the country were at risk of being attacked by locals. These reports sparked widespread fear amongst the foreigners many of whom were displaced during a wave of xenophobic violence during May 2008.
According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Police, Zweli Mnisi the meeting between the Premier and the Minister of Police was fruitful. Mnisi said the Minister had acknowledge that while some may label the recent looting of shops owned by foreign nationals as xenophobia there are also criminal elements involved. "The Minister moved from a premise that although the rumours can be labeled as xenophobic threats there are some criminal elements who are taking advantage of the situation. During the meeting the issue of prevention was raised. All levels of government from national, provincial and local government need to work together to ensure that there is no outbreak of xenophobic violence," said Mnsisi.
Plans
In addition to this the Premier also shared the plans of provincial government strategy to combat any violence which may flare up. "The Premier shared with us the provinces proposed strategy which looks at amongst others disaster management, as well as the involvement of all stakeholders including religious leaders as well as early warning systems which they have been using in the province," explained Mnisi.
According to Mnisi, the Premier was also briefed on the plans of the inter-ministerial committee which was set up 2 weeks ago to deal with xenophobia. "The Minister also shared with the Premier the plans of the inter-ministerial task team which looks at various sectors like the continuation of the recent world cup successes from a view point of policing. So during the meeting we were able to find some common ground regarding the xenophobic violence."
World Cup Courts
When asked if the special World Cup courts would remain in place to deal with those arrested for inciting xenophobic violence, Mnisi replied that he is not able to speak on behalf of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development even though it has been indicated that the courts may remain in place. "I cannot comment on behalf on the Department of Justice but in terms of our interactions as a government cluster they have assured as that there are plans afoot to continue those courts.
During the World Cup there were some tangible results and good outcomes in terms of the police working together with the Justice Department in terms of prosecution. Part of dealing with these xenophobic threats which are in essence criminality we have had an assurance from Justice that they are ready to deal with this issue," said Mnisi.
Hotspots
According to Mnisi, the extra police officers deployed during the World Cup in the province will now be moved to potential hotspots in the province. "Some of the police officers were deployed at the stadia and hotels looking after certain teams that were in country. Now that those teams are no longer here it would be a strategic deployment to potential hotspots, especially since those officers are now trained and have more expertise when it comes to dealing with mobs and people who may just want to fuel violence.
"That experience cannot be taken away from the police that they have gained by interacting with their counterparts from around the world. They will not only be deployed in terms of hotspots but will also be used to set up random roadblocks," he explained. In addition, the provincial government has also deployed 20 mediation teams to various flashpoints in the province where either xenophobic threats or attacks have been recorded.
The spokesperson for the Department of Local Government in the province, Dr Hildegard Fast said provincial governments plan is to ensure that there is no outbreak of xenophobic violence. "Our plan is that there should not be any xenophobic violence at all. All of the measures that we have put in place are very much orientated to that. As the provincial government we have worked with police to ensure that there is an effective early warning system in place. This will ensure that any calls that come in to the provincial government or municipalities are immediately forwarded to the South Africa Police Force. We have also deployed 20 mediators in the most vulnerable areas. This is to ensure that some of the tension is addressed," she said.
Mediation
Fast said the mediation in various communities has gone very well. "There has been some fantastic work done on the ground by a variety of community organizations. Faith based organizations have been at work and also some civil society organizations. I think in a combined way the fact that there is very little to report in the last days speaks to the success of the initiative," she said.
According to Fast, they are doing everything possible to make sure that there is no escalation in acts of xenophobia. "We are doing everything we can to ensure that does not happen. I think that we have learnt some things from the xenophobic attacks during 2008. I think that because we do have an early warning system in place increases our chances of making sure it does not happen again."
She said that most of the pressure has been of the police force and not the Joint Operations Centre. "I think in fact that most of the pressure has been on the police, because in the first instance when there is any threat of violence or any violence starts to break out it is the safety and security response in the first instance and I think the police has responded very well. Because there has been so little displacement there has not been much humanitarian assistance that has been required on the part of the province or the city,"
Socio-economic factors
According to Fast, the socio-economic conditions in the country is playing a huge role in xenophobic attacks. "It is one of the key contributing factors to the fact that there might be tensions in the community. There will be competition for rare resources in the community between the locals and foreign nationals. So clearly this requires a multi-faceted approached. During the media briefing on Friday these issues were raised. We need to identify more economic opportunities for people.
"There is also the issue of transferring skills from some of the foreign traders to the local traders to ensure that there is less competition and we also need to have an education campaign. There are a range of things that local and provincial government can do to ensure that there are no further outbreaks of xenophobia in the province," said Fast.
Police on high alert amid rumours of xenophobic violence
The Ministry of Police will be on high alert to ensure that xenophobic violence is quelled as quickly as possible should it flare up after FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup. This was the announcement made by the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthetwa on Thursday at a media briefing held by the inter-ministerial task team set up last week to look at ways of preventing further xenophobic attacks. During 2008 thousands of refugees mostly Zimbabweans were left destitute as the locals attacked and chased them out of the townships they were living in.
Mthetwa said the security put in place for the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup will remain in place after the tournament ends on Sunday to curb any outbreak of violence. In addition Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will be spearheading an aggressive communication strategy to counter and mitigate the risk posed by unbalanced media reports which instill fear in foreign nationals.
The inter-ministerial committee comprises of several other ministries including Home Affairs, Social Development, State Security, Basic Education, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Art and Culture and International Relations and Cooperation. Last week rumours of xenophobic violence after the world cup once again did the rounds in townships in the Western Cape.
"We will not tolerate any threat or act of violence against any individual or sector of society, no matter what reasons are given to justify such threats or actions. Government is closely monitoring these xenophobic threats by faceless criminals whose desire is to create anarchy. We want to assure society that our police are on the ground to thwart these evil acts," said Mthetwa.
Plan
Mthetwa outlined a detailed multi faceted plan to prevent any outbreak of violence against foreign nationals in South Africa. He further called on all civic organizations, political parties, youth formations and religious groupings to work together. "In the unlikely event of another breakout of violence against foreign nationals or violence in any form, government will take appropriate legal measures to bring perpetrators to book.
"Our security agencies are prepared to deal effectively with any violence against anyone, including foreign nationals. We continue to monitor all and any threats. Should any be found to be credible measures will be implemented immediately to prevent any outbreak of violence," he said. According to Mthetwa their research has found that the rumours have been spread by criminal elements.
"The locus of these tensions is mainly driven by criminal elements in areas where there are high levels of poverty and unemployment. There has been a proliferation of businesses owned by foreign nationals in the townships and informal settlements across all provinces. Furthermore there is a sharp increase in anti foreigner sentiment spreading from the metropolitan cities and surrounding townships to smaller towns and rural areas across South Africa," explained Mthetwa.
He said the task team had noted that one of the contributing factors to the renewed threat of xenophobic violence is unemployment amongst the youth. "The inter-ministerial committee further noted that the most disturbing factor is the marked involvement of unemployed young people in this ghastly manifestation of discontent.
"It is a matter of common knowledge that some foreign nationals do not register their presence in the country with the relevant government institutions. Therefore the integration of foreign nationals in society is crucial. This scenario leads to deep resentment and discontent," said Mthetwa.
Mthetwa said the security put in place for the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup will remain in place after the tournament ends on Sunday to curb any outbreak of violence. In addition Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will be spearheading an aggressive communication strategy to counter and mitigate the risk posed by unbalanced media reports which instill fear in foreign nationals.
The inter-ministerial committee comprises of several other ministries including Home Affairs, Social Development, State Security, Basic Education, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Art and Culture and International Relations and Cooperation. Last week rumours of xenophobic violence after the world cup once again did the rounds in townships in the Western Cape.
"We will not tolerate any threat or act of violence against any individual or sector of society, no matter what reasons are given to justify such threats or actions. Government is closely monitoring these xenophobic threats by faceless criminals whose desire is to create anarchy. We want to assure society that our police are on the ground to thwart these evil acts," said Mthetwa.
Plan
Mthetwa outlined a detailed multi faceted plan to prevent any outbreak of violence against foreign nationals in South Africa. He further called on all civic organizations, political parties, youth formations and religious groupings to work together. "In the unlikely event of another breakout of violence against foreign nationals or violence in any form, government will take appropriate legal measures to bring perpetrators to book.
"Our security agencies are prepared to deal effectively with any violence against anyone, including foreign nationals. We continue to monitor all and any threats. Should any be found to be credible measures will be implemented immediately to prevent any outbreak of violence," he said. According to Mthetwa their research has found that the rumours have been spread by criminal elements.
"The locus of these tensions is mainly driven by criminal elements in areas where there are high levels of poverty and unemployment. There has been a proliferation of businesses owned by foreign nationals in the townships and informal settlements across all provinces. Furthermore there is a sharp increase in anti foreigner sentiment spreading from the metropolitan cities and surrounding townships to smaller towns and rural areas across South Africa," explained Mthetwa.
He said the task team had noted that one of the contributing factors to the renewed threat of xenophobic violence is unemployment amongst the youth. "The inter-ministerial committee further noted that the most disturbing factor is the marked involvement of unemployed young people in this ghastly manifestation of discontent.
"It is a matter of common knowledge that some foreign nationals do not register their presence in the country with the relevant government institutions. Therefore the integration of foreign nationals in society is crucial. This scenario leads to deep resentment and discontent," said Mthetwa.
SAAIR: Looting of shops owned by foreigners xenophobic
Dorianne Arendse
The South African Institute for Race Relations (SAIRR) believes that the recent looting of shops owned by foreign nationals in the Western Cape is xenophobia and not acts of criminality as said by the Minister of Police Nathi Mthetwa. Speaking to VOC's Breakfast Beat on Wednesday morning spokesperson at SAIRR, Catherine Schulze said the Institute was receiving information that casual threats and insinuations of violence against foreign African migrants were increasing.
"The environment is frustrating and the information as all the information at hand was anecdotal. It was very difficult to find hard facts on the extent to which the threats were escalating. However the Institute is not predicting an outbreak of violence as there was not enough information at hand to make such a prediction," said Schulze.
She said that the SAIRR was cautioning that the environment that gave rise to the 2008 attacks was largely unchanged. "Poverty, unemployment and incomes indicators had not shifted significantly since 2008, while high levels of crime and violence were an everyday reality in many poor communities. At the same time, reports of increased threats, some disguised as jokes and idle banter, created and enabling environment for a renewed series of attacks."
Task team
Last week an inter-ministerial task team was set up deal with the socio-economic factors which may have led to the rumours being circulated in various townships in the province. "We were notified about some foreign nationals who were hiding at various police stations in the province. We went there on Monday to find out exactly what the story is. We have always had a stance that these are criminal acts which are been perpetuated along racial lines. While we might be sitting here and thinking that it is xenophobia, if people have legitimate concerns against certain foreign nationals they must not be a blanket approach. So we cannot say that all foreign nationals are stealing our jobs, some foreign nationals are taking our jobs," said Zweli Mnisi the spokesperson for the Minister for Police.
She is of the opinion that there is no point in Government denying the presence of xenophobic prejudice in the country as attacks had continued to occur since 2008, although not on the same scale as those of that year. "We were told previously that police were unable to devote resources to determining the exact extent of these attacks. We are urging government and the ANC to use their leadership positions in the country to change the perceptions that many black South Africans harboured towards foreign African immigrants. We described this discrimination as possibly the most prevalent form of overt racism in the country."
Unfounded
However, Mnisi felt that the statement made by the SAIRR was unfounded. "We prefer intellect and we have always said that this is a societal challenge. We would not like to debate these things in the media. If people have evidence of this then they must come forward with the information and give to the police, they must not be denialists. What this does is it creates a situation where people just spread rumours to create anxiety. This is why the integrated plan which was outline by the Minister last week is not just a government plan it encompasses society as well. We appeal to organizations to issue statements that are unfounded."
He said that reports were first surfaced that foreigners were leaving the Western Cape in droves but an investigation by intelligence official had proved this to be far from the truth. "First and foremost we were told that some people were leaving in droves in the Western Cape because of xenophobia. When we sent our intelligence down there, some of them- not all of them- said they were seasonal workers. We are not thumb sucking this information, we are on the ground," he explained.
Mnisi said that when shops are looted and burnt down the perpetrators are not arrested and charged for acts of xenophobia. "When you burn a shack, when you kill people there is no section of the law to say it is xenophobia- it is a sheer criminal act. That is why as police we have said we will act on these things. When we arrest people we do not arrest them on a charge of xenophobia, there is a charge that says you have burnt property or you have killed people. That is what we charge them with."
The South African Institute for Race Relations (SAIRR) believes that the recent looting of shops owned by foreign nationals in the Western Cape is xenophobia and not acts of criminality as said by the Minister of Police Nathi Mthetwa. Speaking to VOC's Breakfast Beat on Wednesday morning spokesperson at SAIRR, Catherine Schulze said the Institute was receiving information that casual threats and insinuations of violence against foreign African migrants were increasing.
"The environment is frustrating and the information as all the information at hand was anecdotal. It was very difficult to find hard facts on the extent to which the threats were escalating. However the Institute is not predicting an outbreak of violence as there was not enough information at hand to make such a prediction," said Schulze.
She said that the SAIRR was cautioning that the environment that gave rise to the 2008 attacks was largely unchanged. "Poverty, unemployment and incomes indicators had not shifted significantly since 2008, while high levels of crime and violence were an everyday reality in many poor communities. At the same time, reports of increased threats, some disguised as jokes and idle banter, created and enabling environment for a renewed series of attacks."
Task team
Last week an inter-ministerial task team was set up deal with the socio-economic factors which may have led to the rumours being circulated in various townships in the province. "We were notified about some foreign nationals who were hiding at various police stations in the province. We went there on Monday to find out exactly what the story is. We have always had a stance that these are criminal acts which are been perpetuated along racial lines. While we might be sitting here and thinking that it is xenophobia, if people have legitimate concerns against certain foreign nationals they must not be a blanket approach. So we cannot say that all foreign nationals are stealing our jobs, some foreign nationals are taking our jobs," said Zweli Mnisi the spokesperson for the Minister for Police.
She is of the opinion that there is no point in Government denying the presence of xenophobic prejudice in the country as attacks had continued to occur since 2008, although not on the same scale as those of that year. "We were told previously that police were unable to devote resources to determining the exact extent of these attacks. We are urging government and the ANC to use their leadership positions in the country to change the perceptions that many black South Africans harboured towards foreign African immigrants. We described this discrimination as possibly the most prevalent form of overt racism in the country."
Unfounded
However, Mnisi felt that the statement made by the SAIRR was unfounded. "We prefer intellect and we have always said that this is a societal challenge. We would not like to debate these things in the media. If people have evidence of this then they must come forward with the information and give to the police, they must not be denialists. What this does is it creates a situation where people just spread rumours to create anxiety. This is why the integrated plan which was outline by the Minister last week is not just a government plan it encompasses society as well. We appeal to organizations to issue statements that are unfounded."
He said that reports were first surfaced that foreigners were leaving the Western Cape in droves but an investigation by intelligence official had proved this to be far from the truth. "First and foremost we were told that some people were leaving in droves in the Western Cape because of xenophobia. When we sent our intelligence down there, some of them- not all of them- said they were seasonal workers. We are not thumb sucking this information, we are on the ground," he explained.
Mnisi said that when shops are looted and burnt down the perpetrators are not arrested and charged for acts of xenophobia. "When you burn a shack, when you kill people there is no section of the law to say it is xenophobia- it is a sheer criminal act. That is why as police we have said we will act on these things. When we arrest people we do not arrest them on a charge of xenophobia, there is a charge that says you have burnt property or you have killed people. That is what we charge them with."
Cape on xeno alert
Dorianne Arendse
The provincial government in the Western Cape said it is keeping a close on eye on the situation in the various townships in the province after several foreign owned shops were looted on Sunday. The spokesperson for provincial disaster management, Daniella Ebenezer, said 70 foreigners had sought refuge overnight at the Mbekweni police station in Paarl and 22 at the Wellington police station. Recent media reports have indicated that they may be renewed xenophobic violence in the province once the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup ends.
"The South African Police have reported to us that there was sporadic looting on Sunday in the Western Cape on shops owned by foreign nationals. They have also indicated that the situation is under control and that they are maintaining a high visibility in the most vulnerable areas. As provincial government we are monitoring the situation together with our municipal disaster centres and we are providing information to the police about any threats," she said.
According to Ebenezer, the provinces community development workers are playing a pivotal role in providing information to police on any threats. "The provinces community development workers have been instrumental to authorities in providing information on what is happening on the ground.
"We have provincial mediators who went into the communities last week who will continue their efforts this week. Provincial and local governments are on standby to provide humanitarian support should this be required. In addition to this the provincial disaster management joint operations centre established for the World Cup is still in operation, as is the City's joint operation centre and the South African Police," said Ebenezer.
She said that the faith based organizations in the various communities have been running workshops similar to the one which was held in Khayelitsha on Friday morning. The spokesman for the ministry of police, Zweli Mnisi said they are pleased with this initiative. He said the community had invited the Minster of Police Nathi Mthetwa to address the community. Last Thursday Mthetwa outlined a detailed planned to combat any outbreak of violence post world cup.
"We commend the community of Khayelitsha because we launched our plan on Thursday but by Friday this community had called to ask us to came and interact with the community- so that we as government was able to see what they were doing as community to combat xenophobia. They took the first step towards saying no to xenophobia, no to racism and not afro-pessimism. It was a community driven issue which as government we support this," said Mnisi.
In addition, Mnisi has called on the media to report responsibly on issues like xenophobia. This comes after media reports last week had indicated that scores of foreign nationals were seen along the national highway with their belongings and would be moving out of the province because of the rumours of xenophobic violence. He said the department had done their own research and had in fact spoken to the foreign nationals, who turned out to be seasonal workers looking for other employment.
"It brings me to another point of responsible reporting. The reports in the media last week were not true. The fact of the matter is that our intelligence has basic security on board. They then discovered that in the Western Cape there are seasonal workers who would leave in droves to find other employment. So for some of the media to give the impression that they were leaving because fears is irresponsible," he said.
He said that following the threats of intimidation to foreign nationals in some townships, the Ministers for Defence and Military Veterans Lindiwe Sisulu and the Minister for Police came to Cape Town today to get first hand reports from senior law enforcement officers. "Senior officers reported that criminal elements are threatening innocent foreign nationals and taking their goods and assts.
"The police reported that they had made arrests in a number of incidents. The Ministers has instructed law enforcement agencies to deal harshly with anyone who threatens any citizen in the country. Foreign nationals who are intimidated and threatened must report the perpetrators to the police," said Mnisi.
The provincial government in the Western Cape said it is keeping a close on eye on the situation in the various townships in the province after several foreign owned shops were looted on Sunday. The spokesperson for provincial disaster management, Daniella Ebenezer, said 70 foreigners had sought refuge overnight at the Mbekweni police station in Paarl and 22 at the Wellington police station. Recent media reports have indicated that they may be renewed xenophobic violence in the province once the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup ends.
"The South African Police have reported to us that there was sporadic looting on Sunday in the Western Cape on shops owned by foreign nationals. They have also indicated that the situation is under control and that they are maintaining a high visibility in the most vulnerable areas. As provincial government we are monitoring the situation together with our municipal disaster centres and we are providing information to the police about any threats," she said.
According to Ebenezer, the provinces community development workers are playing a pivotal role in providing information to police on any threats. "The provinces community development workers have been instrumental to authorities in providing information on what is happening on the ground.
"We have provincial mediators who went into the communities last week who will continue their efforts this week. Provincial and local governments are on standby to provide humanitarian support should this be required. In addition to this the provincial disaster management joint operations centre established for the World Cup is still in operation, as is the City's joint operation centre and the South African Police," said Ebenezer.
She said that the faith based organizations in the various communities have been running workshops similar to the one which was held in Khayelitsha on Friday morning. The spokesman for the ministry of police, Zweli Mnisi said they are pleased with this initiative. He said the community had invited the Minster of Police Nathi Mthetwa to address the community. Last Thursday Mthetwa outlined a detailed planned to combat any outbreak of violence post world cup.
"We commend the community of Khayelitsha because we launched our plan on Thursday but by Friday this community had called to ask us to came and interact with the community- so that we as government was able to see what they were doing as community to combat xenophobia. They took the first step towards saying no to xenophobia, no to racism and not afro-pessimism. It was a community driven issue which as government we support this," said Mnisi.
In addition, Mnisi has called on the media to report responsibly on issues like xenophobia. This comes after media reports last week had indicated that scores of foreign nationals were seen along the national highway with their belongings and would be moving out of the province because of the rumours of xenophobic violence. He said the department had done their own research and had in fact spoken to the foreign nationals, who turned out to be seasonal workers looking for other employment.
"It brings me to another point of responsible reporting. The reports in the media last week were not true. The fact of the matter is that our intelligence has basic security on board. They then discovered that in the Western Cape there are seasonal workers who would leave in droves to find other employment. So for some of the media to give the impression that they were leaving because fears is irresponsible," he said.
He said that following the threats of intimidation to foreign nationals in some townships, the Ministers for Defence and Military Veterans Lindiwe Sisulu and the Minister for Police came to Cape Town today to get first hand reports from senior law enforcement officers. "Senior officers reported that criminal elements are threatening innocent foreign nationals and taking their goods and assts.
"The police reported that they had made arrests in a number of incidents. The Ministers has instructed law enforcement agencies to deal harshly with anyone who threatens any citizen in the country. Foreign nationals who are intimidated and threatened must report the perpetrators to the police," said Mnisi.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
FIFA Ripping South Africa Off
Dorianne Arendse
With the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup merely a few weeks away, an investigative reporter based in the UK has said that the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) should have done more to protect the interest of ordinary South African citizens. This is according to Andrew Jennings an investigative journalist based in London. Jennings For the past nine years he has investigated the sporting body for the past ten years. He is of the opinion that FIFA was not really able to impose all the rules it has on South Africa during the 2006 Soccer World Cup in Germany.
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) this month launched a book entitled the Player and Referee: Conflicting Interests looks at the soccer tournament and is a national case study which looks at the issues within all host provinces as well as the challenges to their construction of their respective stadia. The case studies have been examined by six top investigative journalists.
"When you mention the word FIFA we have to have two concepts in mind. One is the mass of officials around the world who do mostly clerical work but on top of that there is a tiny super structure- Sepp Blatter who controls his 24 man executive committee and about a third of them are involved in bribery and corruption, ticket rackets and diversion of funds. Not all of them are involved in these activities," explained Jennings.
Banned
Jennings is also the only journalist to be banned by FIFA President Sepp Blatter. "Sepp Blatter banned me in April 2003, after I wrote a story in a London newspaper, disclosing that he pays himself a vast secret bonus- six figures is Swiss Francs. We never got the precise number. He banned me because I did this with a legally sworn affidavit from a former finance director.
"The evidence is perfect, Blatter pays himself money. He will never talk about what he earns. I defy any reporter anywhere in the world to actually say to Sepp Blatter and get a truthful answer- how much do you pay yourself in bonuses, expenses, car allowances and accomadation allowances", said Jennings.
Jennings said that he would like to see South African reporters gang up on Blatter when he is in the country for the soccer spectacle, so that he would be forced to reveal all of these details. He said the same day the article was published to a media statement was issued which said that Blatter would sue the London Daily Mail as well as the Jennings. To date no lawsuit has been brought against the journalist or the newspaper.
Rules
When asked about all the rules and regulations which were put in place by FIFA for the World Cup in South Africa, Jennings replied that there was a serious problem in South Africa. "FIFA would never have been allowed to get these legislations passed to have public authorities banning street vendors telling you as South Africans what you can and can't do in your own country.
"I think that you have to look at the local organizing committee and you have to be putting tough questions Danny Jordaan, Irvan Khoza and the rest of them. It would appear gentlemen that you have sold South Africa down the river. Can we talk about it please, because no other country would put up with this, Germany did not put up with this kind of repressive behavior in 2006. And if England is successful we certainly won't put up with this either", explained Jennings.
According to Jennings both the local media as well as the international media is concerned about the informal sector in South Africa which has been sidelined by the Soccer World Cup. "Of course Danny Jordaan is going to say that he has not sold South Africa down the river. Look at the evidence and make up your own minds. FIFA will make off at the end of the tournament with billions of dollars", said Jennings.
Ticketing system
He has also slammed the ticketing system which has been used by FIFA for the World Cup. "Everybody that who wanted to knew that the majority of the population sadly knows that they do not have access to computer terminals. The majority of the population does not have plastic credit cards; they do not have banking accounts. This is a well known to Jordaan and the other South African officials.
This is even known to the international media. We have visited the informal settlements, we have visited the townships and we know about economic deprivation. So why did FIFA go ahead with this insane internet ticket system. But I can tell you why because it means that they can hold an awful lot behind to sell on the black market.
When asked if he had documented proof of this he replied that it had happened in other tournaments on numerous occasions. "It always does happen. I got hold of the internal Ernst and Young audit report from 2006 Germany World Cup on a Mr. Jack Warner from Trinidad who is the FIFA Vice President getting 5400 tickets to sell on the black market. I got the report and the story is now well known."
When asked about the media accreditation and the manner in which FIFA went about accrediting various media houses in the country, Jennings replied that once again the Local Organizing Committee should be held accountable. "I think it worse in South Africa and again you have been let down by your own football leaders.
"They should be going in to fight on your behalf and say hang on how can you refuse our community. There should be at least one of our reporters in there with a microphone. They must be let into the congress to see FIFA enjoy the money they are extracting from this World Cup. I have never seen FIFA getting away with so much on a host country.
Mandela as pawn
In his research Jennings indicates that former President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu were used as pawns in April 2004 by Jack Warner. "You know as well as any body else in the world that Nelson Mandela suffered over many decades for his own country, South Africa. Then when he got off Robben Island and he did that famous walk we all thought that, that was the end of him being oppressed but it was not.
"He wanted to go on struggling for his country and get the football tournament. Jack Warner forced Mandela and Tutu who were both very unwell to go to a jamboree in Trinidad so that he could show off his prisoners. I think Mandela was treated better while he was imprisoned on Robben Island," said Jennings.
"He was exhausted; he should not have being flying all that way in the first place to beg for his country. Then on the day of the vote in Zurich Warner turns up and demands more face time and Mandela just had to do as he was told," said Jennings
With the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup merely a few weeks away, an investigative reporter based in the UK has said that the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) should have done more to protect the interest of ordinary South African citizens. This is according to Andrew Jennings an investigative journalist based in London. Jennings For the past nine years he has investigated the sporting body for the past ten years. He is of the opinion that FIFA was not really able to impose all the rules it has on South Africa during the 2006 Soccer World Cup in Germany.
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) this month launched a book entitled the Player and Referee: Conflicting Interests looks at the soccer tournament and is a national case study which looks at the issues within all host provinces as well as the challenges to their construction of their respective stadia. The case studies have been examined by six top investigative journalists.
"When you mention the word FIFA we have to have two concepts in mind. One is the mass of officials around the world who do mostly clerical work but on top of that there is a tiny super structure- Sepp Blatter who controls his 24 man executive committee and about a third of them are involved in bribery and corruption, ticket rackets and diversion of funds. Not all of them are involved in these activities," explained Jennings.
Banned
Jennings is also the only journalist to be banned by FIFA President Sepp Blatter. "Sepp Blatter banned me in April 2003, after I wrote a story in a London newspaper, disclosing that he pays himself a vast secret bonus- six figures is Swiss Francs. We never got the precise number. He banned me because I did this with a legally sworn affidavit from a former finance director.
"The evidence is perfect, Blatter pays himself money. He will never talk about what he earns. I defy any reporter anywhere in the world to actually say to Sepp Blatter and get a truthful answer- how much do you pay yourself in bonuses, expenses, car allowances and accomadation allowances", said Jennings.
Jennings said that he would like to see South African reporters gang up on Blatter when he is in the country for the soccer spectacle, so that he would be forced to reveal all of these details. He said the same day the article was published to a media statement was issued which said that Blatter would sue the London Daily Mail as well as the Jennings. To date no lawsuit has been brought against the journalist or the newspaper.
Rules
When asked about all the rules and regulations which were put in place by FIFA for the World Cup in South Africa, Jennings replied that there was a serious problem in South Africa. "FIFA would never have been allowed to get these legislations passed to have public authorities banning street vendors telling you as South Africans what you can and can't do in your own country.
"I think that you have to look at the local organizing committee and you have to be putting tough questions Danny Jordaan, Irvan Khoza and the rest of them. It would appear gentlemen that you have sold South Africa down the river. Can we talk about it please, because no other country would put up with this, Germany did not put up with this kind of repressive behavior in 2006. And if England is successful we certainly won't put up with this either", explained Jennings.
According to Jennings both the local media as well as the international media is concerned about the informal sector in South Africa which has been sidelined by the Soccer World Cup. "Of course Danny Jordaan is going to say that he has not sold South Africa down the river. Look at the evidence and make up your own minds. FIFA will make off at the end of the tournament with billions of dollars", said Jennings.
Ticketing system
He has also slammed the ticketing system which has been used by FIFA for the World Cup. "Everybody that who wanted to knew that the majority of the population sadly knows that they do not have access to computer terminals. The majority of the population does not have plastic credit cards; they do not have banking accounts. This is a well known to Jordaan and the other South African officials.
This is even known to the international media. We have visited the informal settlements, we have visited the townships and we know about economic deprivation. So why did FIFA go ahead with this insane internet ticket system. But I can tell you why because it means that they can hold an awful lot behind to sell on the black market.
When asked if he had documented proof of this he replied that it had happened in other tournaments on numerous occasions. "It always does happen. I got hold of the internal Ernst and Young audit report from 2006 Germany World Cup on a Mr. Jack Warner from Trinidad who is the FIFA Vice President getting 5400 tickets to sell on the black market. I got the report and the story is now well known."
When asked about the media accreditation and the manner in which FIFA went about accrediting various media houses in the country, Jennings replied that once again the Local Organizing Committee should be held accountable. "I think it worse in South Africa and again you have been let down by your own football leaders.
"They should be going in to fight on your behalf and say hang on how can you refuse our community. There should be at least one of our reporters in there with a microphone. They must be let into the congress to see FIFA enjoy the money they are extracting from this World Cup. I have never seen FIFA getting away with so much on a host country.
Mandela as pawn
In his research Jennings indicates that former President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu were used as pawns in April 2004 by Jack Warner. "You know as well as any body else in the world that Nelson Mandela suffered over many decades for his own country, South Africa. Then when he got off Robben Island and he did that famous walk we all thought that, that was the end of him being oppressed but it was not.
"He wanted to go on struggling for his country and get the football tournament. Jack Warner forced Mandela and Tutu who were both very unwell to go to a jamboree in Trinidad so that he could show off his prisoners. I think Mandela was treated better while he was imprisoned on Robben Island," said Jennings.
"He was exhausted; he should not have being flying all that way in the first place to beg for his country. Then on the day of the vote in Zurich Warner turns up and demands more face time and Mandela just had to do as he was told," said Jennings
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