Executive Mayor of City of Johannesburg, Herman Mashaba, on Tuesday met with the Nigerian Consulate, Godwin Adama, and leaders from the Nigerian community in South Africa to address xenophobia within the city.

In a statement, Mashaba said they have emphasised the importance of working in collaboration to address the problem of xenophobia and prevent attacks like the ones in the past.

“We agreed that we all want to live in a peaceful society where the rule of law is respected and upheld. The Nigerian Consulate and this administration strongly denounce criminality in all its forms,” said Mashaba.

He said he is committed to working towards establishing a special committee which will advance the vision of an inclusive and peaceful Johannesburg society.

“We will be exploring ways to enhance our Migrant Help Desk to assist migrant communities to integrate in our society, as well as advancing public awareness against xenophobia in all its forms.”

“Johannesburg is made of many diverse communities and it is a City built by migrants from across the world. I reiterate, I welcome all people from across the world to the City,” said Mashaba.

Mashaba said he implored the Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, to work together to find solutions to their challenges but his invitations and letters have been declined and ignored by the Minister.

“National government must finally acknowledge its role in creating this problem, it has failed to address South Africa’s high unemployment and crime rate. Tragically, our foreign brothers and sisters have been used misguidedly as scapegoats.”

“It is essential that those of us in government act to find lasting solutions to the problem of xenophobia by being responsive and caring to all our residents,” Mashaba said.