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ANC rejects post-World-Cup xenophobia-eruption claims


ANC Statement, 2 July 2010


 ANC rejects post-World-Cup xenophobia eruption claims

ANC rejects any claims of the eruption of xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals after the 2010 FIFA World Cup


The African National Congress (ANC) is dismayed by reports of the possible eruption of xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa after the successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in our country.

The reported xenophobic attacks by South Africans on foreign nationals, particularly from the African continent, after the conclusion of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, is baseless and without any rational. These reports are in the same mode as the baseless and irrational suggestions that foreign nationals were going to be robbed and butchered when they came to witness the 2010 FIFA football spectacle in our country.

In yesterday interaction with both the national and foreign media, the ANC National Chairperson, cde Baleka Mbethe said:

“I do not understand why as Africans when we are mixing so freely and so friendly during this world cup with people of the world and particularly our brothers and sisters from Africa, that after this world cup we can then change into a negative mode of attacking our own brothers and sisters from the continent.  The reported xenophobic attack after the world cup does not make any sense. These reports are irrational have no basis whatsoever”

These reports are mischievous and disingenuous. The ANC views these fallacious claims seriously and believes that there are doomsayers somewhere in dark corners who want to steal the thunder of the successful hosting of this football spectacle away from our continent through negative reporting.

We know that all South Africans and the entire continent will not be goaded and stewarded by some mysterious people and by some clandestine hands to reverse the gains that South Africa and the African continent has achieved through the successful, memorable and historic first hosting of this 2010 FIFA football spectacle in our continent.

The ANC would like to appeal to all fellow Africans and people of the world to reject these claims of xenophobic attacks with the contempt it deserves. Let us continue to support our Black Stars of Africa - the Ghana National Football team - as they face Uruguay tonight.  Let us go to Soccer City in our millions, kitted with our vuvuzelas, the Ghana flags as well as football regalia.  Let us not allow this Afro-pessimism and negativity to dampen our spirits.  This is our world cup.

Today’s encounter between the “Black Star of Africa” and Uruguay, is but one of the opportunities that the continent will show that we are indeed united as a people and as a continent.

Let us all as Africans and people of the world continue to support the world cup until its conclusion in (10) ten day’s time.  People of the world and Africans have nothing to fear from South Africans.  We have proven ever since the start of this soccer spectacle that we are good hosts, friendly and wonderful human beings.  Nothing is going to change.

Issued by:
Jackson Mthembu
ANC National Spokesperson

African National Congress
54 Sauer Street
Johannesburg
2001

02 July 2010

Enquiries:
Ishmael Mnisi 082 333 5550

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