Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, on Tuesday, a cross section of Shoprite officials praised the lawful protests embarked upon by Nigerians and derided the attacks, describing it as an ill wind that blew no one any good with its unpalatable multiplier effect.
While expressing hope that the attacks will fizzle out soon, the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that the Shoprite management had initiated meetings with the South African government on the need to quell the violence as soon as possible. The officials wondered the basis for such killings, regarding any reason as unjustifiable.
When asked to respond to threats on social media to boycott South African companies, they remarked that it was yet to observe the development begin to take its toll on business.
In the same vein, South African President, Jacob Zuma addressing the National Assembly in Kwazulu-Natal on the violence attacks directed at foreign nationals, at the weekend, said the police had been directed to work round the clock to protect both foreign nationals and citizens, arrest looters and those committing acts of violence.Zuma added that the government had deployed the Ministers of Police, State Security and Home Affairs to work with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial government to quell the violence and bring the situation to normalcy.
He further urged communities to assist the police by providing information on the incidents so that the perpetrators could be brought to justice.
On efforts, he added that government was making progress with establishing the Border Management Agency, to manage border environment and all ports of entry and, that the capacity of the Department of Home Affairs was being improved upon.
Zuma appealed for calm and restraint on social media, warning persons to refrain from using the social media to fan the flames of violence.
He, however, reminded South Africans of their responsibility to promote social cohesion, peaceful co-existence and good relations in the country.
“The government is implementing a series of measures aimed at bringing an immediate halt to the violence, looting and displacement of individuals and families. We would remain committed to the values of human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms, non-racialism, non-sexism and the rule of law.”
Source: Tribune
