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South Africa: Mbeki Apologies for Attacks On Foreign Nationals
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BuaNews (Tshwane)
4 July 2008
Posted to the web 4 July 2008
Bathandwa Mbola
Pretoria
President Thabo Mbeki has apologised on behalf of the people of South Africa to the families of those who died in the recent attacks on people from other countries and some South Africans.
"On behalf of our people and Government, I humbly convey to our people, our foreign guests, all Africa and the peoples of the world, our apology that we allowed criminals in our midst to inflict terrible pain and damage to many in our society, including and in particular our foreign guests.
"We will do everything possible and necessary to ensure that we have no need in future to proffer this humble apology, which is inspired by genuine remorse."
President Mbeki was speaking at the National Memorial Tribute for victims of violence against foreign nationals and South Africans held the Tshwane City Hall on Thursday.
The day was aimed at paying tribute to and remembering those who lost their lives.
He acknowledged that South Africa had committed unpardonable crimes against fellow Africans.
More than 60 people were killed in the attacks that began in Alexandra on 11 May and spread rapidly to other parts of the country. Cabinet ministers, ambassadors and members of the public as well as the families of those who died gathered at the Tshwane City Hall for the tribute.
At total of 1 433 people have been arrested in connection with the attacks.
He described the violence as the "dark days of May".
"What happened during those days was not inspired by possessed nationalism, or extreme chauvinism, resulting in our communities violently expressing the hitherto unknown sentiments of mass and mindless hatred of foreigners - xenophobia," he told the gathering, which included victims of the violence and displaced people.
He said the attacks had been driven by neither a dislike or hate towards foreign nationals, but predominantly by criminal elements.
The President told the gathering they should bow their heads in shame because many had acted in ways that suggested that the values of Ubuntu were dead.
"Today gathered here as a representative microcosm of our country, we must pledge that never again will we allow that anybody to bring shame to the nation by betraying the values of Ubuntu and committing crime against South Africa's visitors and travelers."
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He urged South Africans to learn and understand that: "We are proudly African not only because of our indelible contribution to human civilisation, but also because we know that the regeneration of Africa will add new humane values to human society."
We welcome President Mbeki's apology and we hope the people of South Africa will never allow this shame to come upon them again. The Continent of Africa, more than any other place in the world, needs unity, peace and harmony for its development. It is never too late to change the course of events.
It is good that Mr Mbeki made the apology, but it is still shocking , verry shocking, such actions could not come from SA people. just some 15 years ago SA people were all over africa. mainly( Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia,CongoDR Namibia, Angola, Swaziland and lesotho.we accomodated them, cryied with them, had compassion on them.and seeing that they easily forgot all that ,it disappointing. may the souls of those gone rest in peace.
Thanks for the apologies by SA. We will start the process of healing and may those who committed this evil against their brothers and sisters get rehabilitation and prayers beacause they were instigated by Satan. Condolesence to the bereaved families. NOW, let's get on with preparations for the Soccer WC 2010. I want to come. I am actually looking for flags of my favourite Teams.
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