THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE ANC, Mr. Fikile Mbalula, urges those who are fighting illegal immigrants not to carry sticks in protests.
Mbalula said that sticks are an important asset in the army that should not be used carelessly.
He said this while speaking to the media in Gauteng yesterday.
Recently, in the protests against illegal immigrants, which have spread throughout the country, there are more and more groups carrying sticks.
Mbalula said that sticks have their place, they should not be carried anywhere.
“Let’s leave the weapons at home, let’s not carry them in public. Let’s respect the heritage of the army. Let’s not carelessly treat our historical heritage like this.”
Mbalula said that they are not against the protests but stressed that those conducting the protests should not pretend to be law enforcement officers.
“The complaints of the protestors are heard, but we ask them to warn them with the hand of a monkey. The protestors must be careful that they express their anger in a way that is in accordance with the law. The protestors must not utter words that incite hatred. The things that happened later where we saw immigrants being stopped from clinics, schools and factories, are against the law.
“A child who wants a place to study should be supported by all of us. A child who wants to get a goal should not be prevented because that child will be a danger to society. We are not cruel. We urge people to follow the goals when they protest. Nothing will be right if people take the law for themselves. Disrespect for the law creates a bad image for the country.”
Mbalula said that the ongoing protests do not discriminate against foreigners, but they feel that some of the protesters are harboring hatred against immigrants.
“South Africans do not hate foreigners. There are those who use protests to promote hatred against immigrants. This is dangerous. We cannot allow a situation that will make South Africa appear as a country that discriminates against immigrants.”
Mbalula said the people of this country should remember the role played by foreign countries when the country was fighting for freedom.
He called on government agencies to continue to follow the laws that affect people in the country illegally.
“Government agencies should ensure that there are no people entering the country illegally. Government agencies should respond to the complaints of local people regarding allegations that immigrants are involved in criminal activities. Local agencies should give local people economic opportunities.”
Mbalula also urged private companies to ensure that they employ local people.