SA tired of crime, not xenophobic: ANC

The ruling party says it has noted with concern recent community protests on various issues including crime, human trafficking and drug abuse.

"In certain instances these protests have taken the form of 'xenophobic' attacks, masking the real issue being the fact that our communities are tired of the unacceptably high levels of crime and joblessness; compounded by the employment of illegal immigrants by unscrupulous employers in an effort to circumvent South Africa's stringent and worker-friendly labour laws," says the ANC's Zizi Kodwa.

Residents in Jeppestown and Mamelodi have taken to the streets over the past two weeks, sparking fears of further widespread violence against foreign nationals.

Kodwa says immigrants are integrated in our communities, living and working together with South African nationals.

"The contestation for scarce resources and in some instances, poor relations between South Africans and non-nationals as well as inflammatory and irresponsible utterances by those who should be leaders have unfortunately created a climate where the genuine grievances of our people are opportunistically used by criminal elements to attack foreign nationals and perpetuate criminal activities," says Kodwa.

He says the ANC is calling on members and supporters to swell the ranks of Community Policing Forums (CPF).

"We also call on society at large to lead the charge, within our legal framework, against the destabilizing effects of shielding undocumented and illegal immigrants within our communities and our homes. This would also include reporting to the authorities drug peddlers and other criminals, South African and otherwise, living within our communities," says Kodwa.