The Nigeria Labour Congress condemns the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the Republic of South Africa, RSA, as the attacks lack any sane justifications. It is even more absurd that the attacks are directed against Africans from countries that played active roles in the struggle against apartheid.
That the immigrants left their countries to do legitimate businesses or engage in legitimate employment in South Africa is certainly not their fault. They should be seen as partners in the developmental strides of the country. The challenges of unemployment of South African citizens is not caused by the presence of the immigrants and the South African government should develop policies that can generate employment for its citizens as quickly as possible as this will help promote peace and economic growth in favour of the country.
We call on the government of the Republic of South Africa to move quickly more than ever before with steps that could immediately restore peace and harmony as the situation is capable of generating negative international reactions. There are South African businesses in other countries, especially in the originating countries of the immigrants. These businesses are vulnerable to severe danger if positive steps are not immediately taken.
South Africa, like all independent African countries is a member of the African Union which also has the capacity to exert strong intervention before the situation degenerates as this could strain the cohesiveness of the AU and also subvert the spirit and purpose of its existence.
The killings are barbaric, irresponsible, archaic and fall short of the global decent standards expected of a country like South Africa. Besides, South Africa is the highest beneficiary of international solidarity during the anti apartheid struggles. The rest of the world should not be given the impression that those they supported have taken subterranean decision to attack citizens of their countries in return.
We sympathise and condole with the victims and families of those who have lost their lives in these mindless attacks.
We call on our counterpart, the Congress of South African Trade Unions, COSATU, to offer decisive interventions that ensures the protection of lives and properties as immigrant workers are covered by conventions of the International Labour Organisation ( ILO to which the labour centre is also affiliated, like the NLC. Injuries to migrant workers are injuries to all workers all over the world.
No matter who incited the violence, the Government of South Africa should be held responsible for the ongoing xenophobic attacks.
We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to take all necessary steps to ensure every Nigeria living in South Africa, old or young are fully protected and should the attacks continue, they should be evacuated back home for rehabilitation and re-engagement.
We fully support all steps taken so far by our government. Indeed, we support any positive step the government will take in furtherance of the protection of all Nigerians living in South Africa and their interests.
Ayuba Wabba
President
