S. African government pledges to ensure safety of foreigners

The South African government will do everything within its power to ensure the safety of all citizens and foreign nationals in the country, African Heads of Diplomatic Mission in Pretoria were told on Friday.

Addressing members of the African Diplomatic Corp on steps that South Africa is taking to stop the ongoing xenophobic attacks that have largely targeted black Africans, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said her country remained committed to values of human dignity and upholding the rule of law.

"The recent attacks on foreign nationals, particularly fellow Africans from various countries, are a threat to our historical achievements as a nation. Moreover, the attacks go against the democratic values enshrined in the South African constitution," the minister said.

Nkoana-Mashabane conveyed South Africa's apologies to the diplomats whose nationalities have been targeted in the attacks.

Nkoana-Mashabane also made it clear that the attacks were not permitted by the government.

"A panel of experts has been set up under the leadership of former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Judge Navi Pillay. Its purpose is to advice the government on the integration of foreigners into the local communities on an ongoing basis.

"Additional law enforcement officers have been mobilized from around the country and deployed to the affected areas to enforce the law and prevent further attacks," said Nkoana-Mashabane.

She also said the government has provided shelters and other needs for those foreigners already displayed by the attacks. Endi