South Africa: Emergency Appeal to Help Victims of Xenophobic Attacks

The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) has launched a local emergency appeal for R1 million for the provision of emergency relief to victims of xenophobic attacks.

The funds will be used to improve the living conditions of displaced locals and foreign nationals in several areas of the country and to provide basic humanitarian care.

Violence broke out in Alexandra, north-east of Johannesburg, last week, with angry mobs demanding foreigners to leave the area.

Foreign nationals from Mozambique and Zimbabwe mostly, were forced to flee their homes and sought refuge at the Alexandra and Bramley police stations.

On Wednesday night, the violence spread to Diepsloot where angry mobs looted spaza shops believed to be owned by foreigners. Residents blockaded the streets and stoned police.

Three people were confirmed killed in Alexandra due to the attacks.

The Red Cross said it is concerned that the violence can be spread to more areas.

"These cases of intimidation and violence do not occur in isolation, the same pattern has manifested in brutal attacks against foreigners, South Africans or locals married to non-South Africans," SARCS said in a statement.

On Saturday, violence spread to other townships in Gauteng, at least 10 shacks were gutted in the Pimrose area, East of Johannesburg.

Two Zimbabweans including a South African were also killed in Ivory Park near Midrand, Mozambicans' shacks were burnt in Thokoza, one man was gunned down and 15 shacks were burnt down in Tembisa on Saturday.

On Friday a Somali shop owner was shot dead in Cape Town.

The SARCS said volunteers and staff has assessed the needs of affected people, provided emergency relief and traced persons who went missing during the violent clashes.

The estimated number of affected people thus far is over 1200, SARCS said.

To alleviate suffering and trauma, the SARCS has been providing assistance to the displaced with 400 blankets, boxes of clothing, food parcels and hygiene packs being delivered by volunteers and staff.

"More aid is urgently needed including additional blankets, food parcels, kitchen utensils and first aid kit items will be covered by the budget of this emergency appeal for one million rands," said the society.

The society is also planning security crash training for their volunteers for safer access and an Anti-Discrimination Campaign to raise awareness to promote peace and respect for each other and to act together for humanity.

Companies, organisations and individuals who want to donate towards the local emergency appeal can deposit funds to SARCS bank account: Standard Bank, Account number 071760563, Branch Constantia, and Code 005309.

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