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S. African president meets stakeholders on migration policy

Xinhua, April 22, 2015 Adjust font size:

South African President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday met with stakeholders in Pretoria to discuss the country's migration policy following xenophobia attacks in parts of the country.

The policy would be aimed at promoting united action to deal with the current challenges facing South Africa, the Presidency said.

Several cabinet ministers, trade unionists, businessmen and religious representatives attended the meeting, which was called in response to the latest wave of xenophobia violence that has claimed at least seven lives and displaced thousands of foreigners.

Zuma has condemned the violent attacks and called for peace in communities across the country.

He has directed government departments to deal with the root causes of the attacks.

"Millions of South Africans love peace and have lived with foreign nationals in peace for decades. The minority that has caused mayhem should be isolated and perpetrators of violence should face the full might of the law," said the president.

Government officials, including ministers and deputy ministers, are conducting rallies and outreach programs countrywide to interact with communities on the country's migration policy and to promote peaceful coexistence with foreign nationals.

Foreign nationals have been integrated successfully in many communities over the years. At the same time, concerns have been raised by citizens including reports of increased numbers of illegal immigrants, the alleged takeover of many small businesses by foreign nationals in townships as well as perceptions that foreign nationals commit crimes in the country that include selling drugs and human trafficking.

"Government is engaging communities to indicate that their issues are being attended to and also to correct some of the wrong perceptions in order to promote a better understanding and cohesion among communities," said presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj.

"The government is also sending out a strong message that violence will never be tolerated and that communities should isolate the criminal elements who are opportunistically taking advantage of the grievances that exist in communities for their own agendas."

Zuma will also meet with organizations representing foreign nationals in the country on Friday. Endi