Cormsa calls for effective intervention to stop xenophobic violence in Siyathemba

renewed xenophobic violence which has taken place in Siyathemba, Balfour. Last night, shops

owned by foreign nationals in the area were attacked and looted by a large mob, reportedly after a

demonstration against the local mining industry. The violence resulted in a number of shops being

looted and destroyed and at least 57 people being displaced.

Many of those affected by the violence last night were also victims of violence in July 2009 where

the shops of foreign nationals were targeted following service delivery protests and around 100

people were displaced. Those who laid criminal charges relating to the violence and the damages

were later intimidated into dropping these. Despite the visit of a Task Team of Ministers to the area,

no effective and sustainable solution was found to address the grievances being raised and as a

result, further violence has occurred.

CoRMSA calls for the Office of the Premier to intervene to find effective and sustainable solutions to

the unrest in the area. Such solutions will involve engaging with community concerns as a means of

addressing the source of conflict as well as ensuring the safety and security of all living in the area.

CoRMSA calls for those displaced to be provided with humanitarian assistance and for the police to

provide protection to those who wish to lay criminal charges.

This is the latest incident of xenophobic violence in 2010. Further violence has also taken place in

Atteridgeville, Riviersonderend and Polokwane this year. With South Africa due to host the FIFA

World Cup shortly, it is critical that lasting solutions are found to the conflicts that often then result

in xenophobic violence.