afrol News, 21 May - Officials from the South African province most affected by violence against foreigners, Gauteng, today plaid down the significance of these attacks that have left more than 20 people dead. Gauteng's position as a "destination for investment and tourism" would not be affected, an official said. Meanwhile, central government is ordering the army to deploy in Gauteng.

The Gauteng province, which includes the cities of Johannesburg, Soweto and Pretoria, has been the main scene of xenophobic attacks this week. The wave of violence, which now is spreading throughout South African cities, so far has cost the lives of more than 20 people and is estimated to have caused 30,000 people to flee their homes.

But Gauteng officials today were most concerned about downplaying the crisis to avoid negative reactions from investors and tourists. The Gauteng "Minister" of Finance and Economic Development, Paul Mashatile, assured visitors and investors "that the recent attacks on foreign nationals should, in the long term, not affect Gauteng's position as a preferred destination for investment and tourism."

"Whilst we recognise that the attacks on foreign nationals may have created an impression to some that Gauteng has become an unsafe place for foreign investment and tourists, we wish to state it categorically that the situation has not spiraled out of control," Mr Mashatile said.

Also Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa, the highest political leader of the province, today assured authorities were in control. He emphasised he did "not believe a state of national emergency should be declared" in order to deal with xenophobic attacks. "My view is that, although the current situation is dire, it can be handled," Premier Shilowa said, adding that a state of emergency would threaten "civil liberty and human rights."

While Gauteng authorities claim to be in control, central government today advised it was very alarmed by the spiralling violence. President Thabo Mbeki today took the unprecedented step to authorise the army to deploy to stop the violence. In a short declaration, the Presidency said Mr Mbeki had "approved" the "involvement of the South African National Defence Force in stopping on-going attacks on foreign nationals in Gauteng Province."

This is the first time South African troops will be deployed in the streets since the defeat of apartheid. The step is seen as a major setback for the Pretoria government, which so far has avoided such drastic measures.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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