Statement by The Executive Mayor, Cllr Herman Mashaba
I held a successful meeting with the African Heads of Mission in Tshwane on Friday to discuss ways in which we can work together to ensure a progressive and sustainable strategy in dealing with migrants in the City of Johannesburg.
The meeting also provided us with an opportunity to discuss ways to prevent xenophobic incidents from occurring in our city.
Although the City has a coherent strategy through the Migrant Help Desk situated in our Social Development Department, we want to ensure that no stakeholder is left behind in our efforts to ensure that our Help Desk encompasses diverse views on immigration.
The issue of migration is one that cannot be dealt with at Municipal level comprehensively, but requires the willing participation of both provincial, and especially national government.
We were all clear that the rule of law is paramount in ensuring the safety of both locals and immigrants in our city and country. No country can hope to have a stable democracy, economic growth, development and safe communities without the rule of law being upheld.
If we are to create a more inclusive and prosperous city for all our residents, then the rule of law must be consistently, deliberately and tirelessly upheld. Our City cannot be a safe haven for local or foreign criminals and this view is supported by all.
We agreed that the City would communicate and collaborate with all embassies going forward to ensure we implement strategies that benefit all residents, both foreign and local.
Johannesburg has been built by migrants from across the world over the past 130 years. This is a tradition is wish to continue.
We condemn xenophobia in all its manifestations and will ensure that those who perpetuate violence against immigrants face the full might of the law. At the same time we will ensure that the rule of law is upheld in our city and that no criminal feels safe on our streets. I am committed to ensuring that Johannesburg is a safe place for all residents to live, work and play.
The African Diplomatic Corps have expressed consistent support to this administration, and we intend on maintaining an open and deliberate relationship with this important stakeholder in our drive to creating a city of golden opportunities for all. We all want to see this city, country and the African continent proposer.