#BBB NEWS| South Africa Closes Consulate In Nigeria

The South African Consul General in Nigeria, Sam Monaisa, has announced that the South African Consulate in Nigeria will close operations until Thursday.

The decision was made in response to a combination of threats from social media and anti-xenophobia protests by Nigerians.

Monaisa wrote that, although the situation in South Africa was calming down, he still had concerns about Nigerians especially those being repatriated from South Africa.

He said that Nigerians on social media were blowing things out of proportion and that the situation in Durban was calming down.

#BBB NEWS| #NoToXenophobia: We Are All Africans As Durban Is Ready For Indaba 2015

As Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism, I want to state that I categorically condemn the appalling xenophobic attacks taking place in the various locations in our country.

It is with embarrassment and shame that I come before the world and especially my fellow Africans to apologise for these senseless attacks. I hold in contempt the loathing and subsequent attacks suffered by our brothers and sisters from the continent.

The majority of us South Africans, perceive and carry ourselves as Africans and believe what we have witnessed in some parts of our country goes against the grain of who we are as a people, our constitution, and the principles of Ubuntu that we so dearly adhere to.

I personally extend my sincerest apologies to you.

As my colleagues and I prepare for our Pan-African Trade Show, INDABA, from 9 to 11 May 2015, in the city of Durban, we wish to reassure all INDABA delegates and foreign nationals coming into South Africa that our country is safe for you to visit. We do not take for granted the support we have enjoyed over the years from our brothers and sisters throughout the continent in contributing to the growth of tourism into our country. We are also appreciative of the backing of our counterparts on the continent who have ensured that our flagship Trade Shows, INDABA and Meetings Africa, have grown in stature in the years they have been in existence.

#BBB NEWS| #NoToXenophobia: Durban Is Open For Business

All stakeholders should rest assured that despite the recent violence directed at foreign nationals, KwaZulu-Natal and Durban is open for business.

Our country stands firmly against all intolerances such as racism, xenophobia, homophobia and sexism.
We continue to condemn the senseless violence and call for constructive dialogue to take place.
Government’s interventions to ensure that all major business activities continue in affected areas are yielding positive results as more police have been deployed to arrest perpetrators involved in these criminal acts.

Premier Senzo Mchunu and Mayor James Nxumalo are engaging with communities and foreign nationals, promoting tolerance and social cohesion to deal with the root causes of the current situation.

Major events such as the Tourism Indaba, running from 9- 11 May 2015 in Durban will not be affected by actions of a group of criminals who undermine the rule of law.