20th May 2008

The KwaZulu Natal House of Traditional Leaders (KZNHTL) has condemned the ongoing xenophobic attacks in Gauteng which have so far claimed 23 lives, forced up to 10,000 people to seek refuge in shelters and left behind a trail of destruction. 

"We are deeply troubled by the humanitarian crisis that is developing across Gauteng as a result of violent attacks on foreign nationals and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to those affected, displaced and traumatised by this tragedy," said Chairperson of the KZNHTL, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. 

The KZNHTL has over the past week dispatched a number of Amakhosi to Gauteng to urge calm in the affected communities. "These Amakhosi have witnessed unimaginable suffering of individuals who sustained injuries.

They have also seen hundreds of people gathering at police stations and other public facilities to escape violence. These attacks must stop," urged Prince Buthelezi. 

The KZNHTL appreciates the hard work of the SAPS in containing the violence as well as the contribution of organisations and individuals who have helped to relieve the suffering of those displaced by the attacks.  

The KZNHTL also appreciates the statement by ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe who earlier today condemned fingering of certain political parties as perpetrators in the attacks. "We are clearly dealing with a socio-economic crisis, not a political one," said Prince Buthelezi. 

In order to prevent similar outbursts of xenophobic attacks, the KZNHTL urges the South African government to deal vigorously with the more complex causes of the current xenophobia crisis ranging from more effective border controls to increased efforts at integration of deserving foreign workers. 

Contact: Executive Assistant to Prince MG Buthelezi,
Lyndith Waller, 073 929 1418