6
THE SOWETOBULLETIN
EDITORIAL
25 April - 15 May 2015
Xenophobia impacts badly on SA economy
Staff Reporter
The recent Xenophobia violence that has resulted in the looting and shutting down of foreign national spaza shops, small business and foreign employees leaving jobs in fear of their lives has negative impact to the country’s economy. These incidents went viral through the media and social networks worldwide as a result some African countries retaliated by threatening the South African businesses located in their countries. In Nigeria is was reported that its government handed a memorandum to the South African high commission in Nigeria ,demanding that South Africa take immediate action against the attackers – or else South African business in Nigeria would be shut down . These threats will have a negative impact on big South African companies such as MTN, Standard bank and Sun International which are
located in the area. It was also reported that in Mozambique, Sasol was affected; and was forced to stop some of its project in the area. The border post between the two countries was once time closed after a Mozambican mob barricaded the N4 high near Ressano Garcia, targeting trucks with South African registration numbers. The South African embassy’s based in different countries in the continent are facing challenges of threats from people in those countries, the recent incident has been reported in Ghana, were it is alleged that some people came and threatened the South African to close their offices . However the matter has been reported to the police in that country. It has also been reported that terrorist group Boko Haram has issued a warning against South Africa to stop the xeno-
THE SOWETOBULLETIN Published by: Leonard Marketing Services
84 President Street, Office No. 740 Markade Building, Johannesburg CBD Tel: 011 333 2296, Cell: 083 898 4591 Email: advertising@thesowetobulletin.co.za Publishing Editor Leonard Vundla Tel: +2711 333 2296 Cell:+2783 898 4591 Email: leonard@thesowetobulletin.co.za
Graphic Design, Layout Assisting Editor Samkele Vikilahle Tel: +2711 333 2296 +2711 042 8964 Email: samkelevikilahle@gmail.com
Administration & Accounts Manager Clara Vundla Tel:+2711 333 2296 +2711 042 8964 Email: admin@thesowetobulletin.co.za
The Soweto Bulletin subscribes to the South African Press Code that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we dont live up to the standards set in the Code, please contact the Public Advocate in the Press Council at 011 484 3612/8, fax: 011 484 3619. Website: www.presscouncil.org. za
phobia violence’s. Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba said immigrants pay tax and contributes towards expanding the national “Consequently, the allegation that all foreign nationals in South Africa do not pay tax is as preposterous as the assumption that all South Africans do pay tax,” said Gigaba in a debate on outbreak of violence against foreign nationals “Immigrants contribute towards our country’s economic development by investing in the economy, supplying critical skills including in our health facilities, teaching our children and youth in schools and universities and thus transferring their knowledge and skills to them,” said Gigaba. Julius Malema, EFF leader said South Africa needs other countries to survive during a parliamentary session. “We need each other; there is no
country that can survive in isolation. We are one thing, Africa is one. We must refuse the artificial borders imposed on us by colonisers which have led to the division of Africa”. South Africa is one of the countries that foreign migrants from all over the continent namely , Zimbabwe , Malawi , Zambia , Mozambique , Ethiopia , Nigeria , Somalia , Democratic Republic of Congo and many other countries are flocking into the country in search of greener pastures. VI versa South Africa has trade relations in other African countries in terms of importing and exporting goods. There is also an exchange of culture and artists’ works; however these recent attacks of foreigners had also contributed to most South African artists schedule music tours and performances being cancelled while other threatened to be
advertise on our classifieds, grow & expand your reach FROM AS LITTLE AS R250.00 P/M CALL: 082 047 1333 011 042 8964 EMAIL: advertising@ thesowetobulletin.co.za
disrupted. Kelly Khumalo’s UK show which was scheduled for 1 May had been postponed in solidarity with the innocent victims of xenophobia in South Africa. Brickz UK tour was also suspended. Big Nuz and Black Coffee, set to perform in Zimbabwe and Mozambique respectively, have pulled out of their shows. Cassper Nyovest who was also to perform in Zimbabwe was also threatened that his performance will be boycotted. Green Concert which is scheduled for 15 May in Harare was also threatened to be boycotted by Zimbabweans if Ringo Madlingozi and Winnie Khumalo performed at the event. These series of events have negative impact in the pockets of the artist as a result of the xenophobia attacks.