28-09-2012: Joburg celebrates diversity and rejects xenophobia and intolerance
Johannesburg is exceptionally proud of its multi-cultural society and supports all initiatives to celebrate diversity and tolerance among all communities
within the City.
The City is proud to be part of the Johannesburg Migration Advisory Committee (JMAC) and adds its voice to the cross-section of global and local
organisations, agencies, departments and interest groups who provide leadership on the integration of migrant communities into the mainstream.
JMAC is headed by the Executive Mayor assisted by the Members of the Mayoral Committee, in partnership with other departments of the city, non governmental
organisations, faith based organisations, academia institutions and International agencies.
The City is extremely concerned about the recent distribution of highly-inflammatory leaflets that contain serious threats against migrant communities and
advocating extreme forms of violence.
These sentiments are not shared by the overwhelming majority of moderate Joburgers who reject violence and intimidation and are prepared to live in peace
with all who reside within the jurisdiction of the city and areas beyond.
The City has, therefore, referred the pamphlets to the law enforcement agencies and hope strong legal action will be taken against those responsible for
drafting and distributing such detestable statements.
Recent discoveries have confirmed the Johannesburg-area as the “cradle of humankind” from where an increasingly diverse population grew and spread out
across the rest of the world. The City was established as a mining town in the 1880s and throughout its 125 year history, it has always attracted migrant
communities in search of a better life for themselves and their descendants.
During more than a century of struggle against apartheid, the people of Johannesburg resisted and defied all efforts to be divided along racial and ethnic
lines. In fact, the townships of the City have developed as multi-cultural havens to celebrate the unity of their residents.
The many leaders of the resistance movements that used Johannesburg as a base, benefited from the support they received from the international community –
especially in the frontline states and the rest of Africa.
Since the advent of democracy in 1994, the City has consistently maintained that it considers Johannesburg’s diverse nature as a valuable asset and that it
will support all efforts to celebrate its cosmopolitan nature.
In 2004, Johannesburg adopted a Human Development Strategy which provided the framework upon which social cohesion for migrant communities could be built.
Out of this grew the establishment of a Migrants Help-desk. This facility has always assisted in addressing many issues affecting foreign nationals.
The Help-desk also provides a range of services including advice on:
• how to access government and other services
• identifying key concerns and challenges together with foreign nationals;
• ensure community networks and co-ordinating the City’s support for migrants.
This inclusive approach has been endorsed by the residents of Johannesburg during the consultative process that led to the adoption of the Joburg 2040
Strategy last year.
Johannesburg strongly condemns all forms of xenophobia, intimidation and violence against migrant communities. We endorse initiatives designed to promote
tolerance and to celebrate the diversity of our society.
We call on the people of Johannesburg not to be misled by misguided and intolerant demagogues who practice hate speech and preach violence.
Let us continue to build a peaceful and tolerant society and contribute in our goal to build a thriving city that is united in its diversity.
Issued on behalf of:
Concillor Nonceba Molwele
MMC Health and Social Development
Ends
Released by:
Gabu Tugwana
Group Communication Director
City of Johannesburg
Phone: 011 407 7162
Mobile: 082 495 5673
