IFP MEDIA STATEMENT BY: 
Ms Sibongile Nkomo
IFP Gauteng Spokesperson

17th May 2008

The IFP Gauteng Spokesperson, Ms Sibongile Nkomo, today denounced with contempt reports of increasing xenophobia sweeping through certain parts of Gauteng. 

XENOPHOBIA HAS NO PLACE IN SOUTH AFRICA 

Ms Nkomo said: "Xenophobia has no place in South Africa and must not be allowed to take root. We are unfortunately  aware of existing perceptions, which are currently being exploited by some NGO's and in the provocative language of certain high-ranking leaders in a certain political party, but these perceptions do not excuse the dehumanising  reaction being doled out." 

"While we South Africans cannot deny that times are becoming increasingly harder for us all, our African brothers and sisters from the north and west of us are not responsible for the economic hardship we are currently experiencing," Ms Nkomo noted. 

"South Africans must lay the blame for their dissatisfaction where it belongs and engage in all forms of legal challenge and protest against the government, which is their right. They must put pressure on the government to ease their financial and social burdens. The kind of disgusting "bully-boy" tactics being used by some is a blight of the soul of South Africa. It shames us all as a nation," she continued. 

IFP CALLS FOR SWIFT INTERVENTION OF THE LAW 

"Zimbabweans are particularly vulnerable at this stage of political developments in their own country. It is therefore an utter shame and disgrace that South African citizens are responsible for worsening their plight.  This cannot be allowed to continue. We therefore call on all law enforcement agencies in South Africa to intervene quickly and show no mercy on the perpetrators of this criminal injustice," Ms Nkomo stated. 

IFP CALLS ON ITS MEMBERS NOT TO GET INVOLVED 

"We call on all IFP members not to allow themselves to be drawn into this act of cowardice, barbarism and shame.  The IFP strongly believes in ubuntu/botho, which recognises and celebrates the humanity and beauty in each person no matter their origin.  We encourage all our members to stand together in solidarity with those affected and assist them how best they can, "said Ms Nkomo. 

IFP WARNS ITS MEMBERS 

"Should any member of the IFP be found to be involved in any violation of human rights or any perpetration of xenophobia and violence against foreigners, the IFP will take stringent disciplinary steps against them. We also call for the full might of the law to take its course without fear or favour," warned Ms Nkomo. 

IFP OFFERS CONDOLENCES TO VICTIMS 

"The IFP offers its sincere condolences to all victims of this outrage. It stands in solidarity with those who are suffering, with the families of those who have been maimed and murdered and with those now living in fear.

The IFP will do all it can to ensure an end to this barbaric behaviour by acting on behalf of the victims and engaging with civil society to ensure a quick return to normality," concluded Ms Nkomo.