Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 05-09-2019
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on all religious leaders and communities to lead the country in prayer and contemplation on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Ramaphosa was addressing the nation on Thursday evening.
The address comes as the country reels from incidents of sporadic looting, violence and attack on foreign nationals.
Ramaphosa revealed that 10 people have died from xenophobic violence in the country, saying two of those were foreign nationals.
He says South Africans must unite, stand together and pray for the country.
“In all churches, mosques, synagogues and temples, let us humble ourselves and bring healing to our nation. As a nation, we have endured moments of uncertainty before. As a nation, we have overcome conflict and achieved peace.”
Ramaphosa says there can be no excuse for the attacks on the homes and businesses of foreign nationals, just as there can be no excuse for xenophobia or any other form of intolerance including the looting and destruction of businesses owned by South Africans.
“The people from other countries on our continent stood with us in our struggle against apartheid. We worked together to destroy apartheid and overcome the divisions it created, where we feared each other and our differences were exploited. Thanks to the people of Africa, we have now achieved democracy and must use this platform to live together in harmony.”
He also urged South African to act responsibly and stop disseminating fake videos, photographs and messages, especially on social media saying the misinformation is also being disseminated in neighbouring countries and throughout the world, causing panic and putting lives in danger.
Ramaphosa says since Sunday, 423 people have been arrested for violence-related offences in Gauteng and 21 suspects have been arrested in relation to truck violence in KwaZulu-Natal.
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