Ten years into Democracy we call these brothers and sisters derogatory names like makwerekwere. These are the same people who helped us to build the economy of this country, albeit in unjust migratory labour.

During the struggle our fellow comrades went into exile to these same countries. We also remember the massacres, cross-border attacks into Lesotho, Botswana, Angola and Mozambique by the South African Defence Forces. We remember also how our comrades were cared for in Zambia, Angola and Tanzania to name a few.

During 21 March (Human Rights Day) celebrations the question now is raised,

Do we think of and uphold the rights of other people who are not of this country?

In fact, we hear of many violations of the rights of people from other countries, especially those from other African States.

Let me site some actual cases

1. I work as a Fieldworker for Justice & Peace in many different communities and experience South Africans as generally unsupportive of black foreigners. Black people from other African countries are generally labelled as:
1. Coming to take "our" jobs and women and to corrupt the country;
2. Criminals (especially Nigerians);
3. People who are prepared to work for low wages therefore causing problems for us who want better wages;
4. People we need to be careful of, they will con us and ask for money;
5. People who should go back to where they have come from;

2. A woman who belongs to one of our groups is from Lesotho. Her son works in Randburg and this particular day left his ID document at home. The police picked him up and as he could not prove who is was, was taken to Lindela. Fortunately he was allowed to phone and his parents came to remove him from Lindela. Others, who are South African, have been taken to Lindela and have not been allowed to use the phone to get help. Some have been beaten and some have even had their documents torn up especially if they did not have money to "pay" the police.

2. Many people from other countries not having papers/documents are picked up by the police who ask for a certain sum of money and then let the person go until the next time ....

2. We have noticed that some South Africans will "employ" a person from outside of South Africa and when the day comes for paying the police are called in because the person from outside SA has not got correct papers/documentation.

2. We have experienced men, we presume from North Africa (they are light brown in colour), who come into our townships to sell curtains and pictures. In the beginning they used to sell during the day. They would persuade people to purchase some of their wares, even if the person says they have no money, not asking for a deposit. They said they would collect the full amount "later". When they do come to collect the money they are very aggressive, demanding the money. The township people say these "white makwerekwere" must leave. We also claim that they take our women with them for wives and/or sex. Recently they have come at night to do their selling. One stays in the car with the engine running as they are afraid that we will steal the car. They are also afraid of the children who throw stones at them.

Our Constitution upholds the dignity of every human being, and even if they are illegal immigrants they still need humane treatment. How can the Government effectively repatriate people with their dignity? How can we, as a society, work together with the Government bodies who have to deal with?:

2. Crime caused by illegal immigrants;
3. Assisting people acquire correct documentation;
4. The perceived impression that all "black foreigners" are criminals;
5. Police and other civil servants taking bribes and being involved in corrupt practices and perpetuating discriminative behaviour patterns;
6. "Racial" determination of who is a "foreigner" because a person is blacker than "our people";

Improve policing and relationships between civil society and the SAPS:

1. Church groups need to invite the local Station commissioner to come and explain to the congregation who does what at the police station and how community can help police with regard to crime and general policing of the local area;
2. People from civil society/community need to be encouraged to join the local Community Police Forum;
3. NGOs in particular areas need to introduce themselves to the local police station personnel;
4. Those in the local community who have a little time and some skills can help the police learn those skills and can also render service for a short time in the police station so the police can do more policing and less administration work;
5. Community members must be encouraged to report any adverse behaviour of police to the commissioner or to some higher in rank and demand accountability;
6. Police must give regular reports on cases that have been reported to community members who request the same;
7. Police must deal with crime and not be refugee "hunters";
8. If a foreigner is responsible for crime they must face the law just as a South African would have to. If deportation is required do it with some dignity;

Population register needs to be cleaned up as there are many false documents and incorrectly issued documents

1. NGOs should inform people of their rights and duties;
2. People must be prepared to report corruption of all kinds;

Distinguish between economic and political refugees - legal and illegal

1. Home affairs could think of ways to inform communities of what a refugee is and how they can be assisted in the communities in other words the rights and duties of refugees;
2. Churches and NGOs should help educate people, and people should try to inform themselves about the countries these people come from;
3. There should be equal treatment for criminal activity before the law for South African and "other". Proof is required for anyone to be arrested and sent to prison and trial. Let arrests not be done just because people are different.
4. Public events need to be organised where the different peoples can come together and share experiences.
5. Our Cathedral community has many different nationalities and annual they have a special day where each group brings their national flag and share their traditional food and anything else to help promote understanding of the different peoples and their human needs.

NAMES of PEOPLE ATTENDING

VIVIENNE NASSALI COMMUNITY MEMBER of YEOVILLE

We are hoping that two more people will come from Yeoville.

I shall try and forward their names to-morrow

Thank you

Tony Mokheseng

Central/South Justice & Peace

phone + 27 11 402-6400

October 2004