Mhlaba Memela

Mhlaba Memela

The National Democratic Convention (Nadeco) has called on the government and opposition parties to clarify their foreign policies to the public.

This comes after the spate of xenophobic violence that erupted in Alexandra in Johannesburg two weeks ago and has spread to other provinces.

At least 50 foreigners have died and 17000 displaced.

Nadeco president Hawu Mbatha said the government and opposition parties should clearly state their foreign policies.

"This is not a good opportunity for us as opposition parties to try and score points against the government at the expense of foreigners' lives," Mbatha said. "We believe we have a major role as an opposition party to assist government in resolving this critical matter."

Mbatha said there was serious concern that the violence had moved to other provinces such as North West, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

"We wish to advise the government to start and review law enforcement measures on all South African borders.

"Vigorous control on the borders will prevent the illegal influx of immigrants into the country," said Mbatha. He urged members of his party to distance themselves from the xenophobic violence.

Nadeco has joined other organisations to donate food parcels to victims of the violence accommodated in community halls, churches and police stations.

Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal department of social development is supplying food and blankets to the displaced foreigners.

MEC for social development Meshack Radebe has visited police stations in the Durban area where foreigners are being accommodated.