| Media release |
| Statement on the Outcomes of the Social Dialogue on Promoting Tolerance through Diversity in South Africa |
Delegates attending the Social Dialogue on Promoting Tolerance Through Diversity adopted a declaration embracing practical measures to fight xenophobia. The adoption marked the conclusion of the two-day conference held in Tshwane on 18-19 August 2008.
The conference titled ‘Social Dialogue on Promoting Tolerance Through Diversity in South Africa’ was convened by the Minister of Home Affairs, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
In her closing remarks, the Minister stressed how important it was for delegates to embrace the declaration: "It is about people, and it is a matter of life and death that we move together in implementing the declaration".
Amongst other goals, the declaration stated a commitment to the following actions:
Intensify public education and awareness in order to make South Africans aware of the actual challenge and extent of international migration, the rights and responsibilities of migrants and to educate them to appreciate the contribution of migrants towards South Africa’s economic development as well as cultural diversity;
Educate the immigrants about their rights and responsibilities in the host country so that while they pursue their rights, they also adhere to the rule of law;
Strengthen stakeholder partnerships to ensure that the management of migration is not confined to government alone;
Uphold our obligations towards migrants / foreign nationals in accordance with domestic laws and international conventions;
Combat all manifestations of violence, xenophobia, racism, racial discrimination and related intolerance towards migrants / foreign nationals in South Africa in accordance with the provisions of the Final Declaration of the World Conference on Xenophobia, Racism, Racial Discrimination and Related Intolerance; and to participate in the follow-up conference of the World Conference on Xenophobia, Racism, Racial Discrimination and Related Intolerance scheduled for 2009;
Educate political, religious and community leaders at all levels to be responsible and sensitive in their statements and conduct in order to contribute to forging strong relations and trust between the immigrant communities and local communities in which they settle;
Minister Mapisa Nqakula expressed her gratitude to all delegates, especially the representatives of the affected and migrant communities, for their frank and vital contributions:
"The debates were vibrant, you did not spare us and deliberated with the intention to assist us in improving where we are lacking. I know there are moments when we disagree but all that is done in the spirit of taking the Department of Home Affairs forward, not because you are being malicious", she said.
The Minister added that the Dialogue was the first phase of a long process, with further phases still to follow. She reiterated that attacks against foreign nationals were to be condemned, concluding: "The cloud that has been hanging over us is an image that has tarnished government of South Africa".
Released by the Department of Home Affairs: Communication Services
For further information, contact Cleo Mosana, MLO to the Minister on 082 902 8796
OR
Mantshele wa ga Tau on 082 802 4814
For general media inquiries send to media.inquiries@dha.gov.za
SUBS: PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DECLARATION IS ATTACHED.
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Released by Chief Directorate: Communication
Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa(Head of Communication)-ronnie.mamoepa@dha.gov.za 082 990 4853 | 20/08/2008 |
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