Deputy Minister of Energy Thembi Majola visited the tented camp set up in front of the Primrose Police Station, for foreigners seeking refuge.<\/p>\n
The Minister\u2019s visit was part of a campaign recently launched by the South African government, against xenophobia.<\/p>
\u201cWe feel it is important for government, politicians, businesses and civil society to come together and show that, as a nation, we are not xenophobic,\u201d Majola said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf people could see the generosity shown here, with tents put up in a day to make sure people are secure, there is light and water, there is food and blankets.<\/p>
\u201cThey would see, yes, we\u2019ve had some very unfortunate criminal incidents, but this does not reflect who we are as a nation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Majola took time to walk through the camp, talking to the people displaced by the xenophobic attacks.<\/p>\n
She took a moment to explain what living conditions are like in the tents.<\/p>\n
\u201cInside the tents people have occupied different corners,” she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have a lot of food and clothes that have been donated.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one is despondent; obviously this is not a situation anyone would want to find themselves in.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey want to get on with their lives, but they haven\u2019t had any wants in the way of food or shelter.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Department of Home Affairs has also visited the site, in a bid to register the people stationed there.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe problem the department encountered was that a lot of people were not at the camp, they had gone to work,” Majola said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople want to continue with a normal life, go to work or to school.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite their circumstances, a lot of these people consider South Africa to be their home.<\/p>\n
When speaking of the reception she received during her visit, Majola explained that the people had been very welcoming.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople have reacted well; we believe this is because they came here looking for refuge and have received so much more,” she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have found people who accept them and are willing to go out of their way to help them feel comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Majola thanked the volunteers who have given their time to the people displaced by xenophobia.<\/p>\n