By MOZTIMES
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – Mozambican President Daniel Chapo on Tuesday expressed his concern at the wave of mob violence against foreign citizens in South Africa.
This was at the top of his agenda for a meeting in Pretoria with his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa.
At a joint press conference at the end of the meeting, Chapo claimed the only path to follow was to trust in the work being undertaken by the South African authorities.
Chapo called for peace and not retaliation. “Hatred does not build, violence does not build”, he said. “If we want to build development, we must build in peace and security. You don’t answer violence with violence. You don’t answer hatred with hatred”.
He recalled the joint history between Mozambique and South Africa in their struggles against Portuguese colonialism and against apartheid. “As peoples, we were always together”, said Chapo, “and it is important that today we remain together”.
Asked by reporters about the videos showing mob violence against foreign citizens in South Africa, he urged Mozambicans not to retaliate. He warned that unconfirmed messages about violence could stimulate fear and disinformation.
“My direct message to the Mozambican people is what I have already said and will say again”, Chapo stressed. “”Don’t reply to violence with violence. Reply with peace, with love for your neighbour, and, above all, by maintaining security and harmony in the relations between the two peoples”.
Chapo announced that his Labour Minister, Ivette Alane, will shortly visit South Africa and will contact the Mozambican communities living there, and particularly the Mozambicans working in the South African mines.
Chapo said Ramaphosa had condemned all acts of violence and “radical speeches” and guaranteed that the South African authorities will work to restore order and guarantee stability.
Chapo stress that the relations between Mozambique and South Africa are “solid”, and called for more robust regional economic integration.
Ramaphosa stressed that the problems of illegal migration and of xenophobia affect all countries which have citizens working in South Africa. He urged South African companies not to employ undocumented foreigners. (MT)
