Statement on violence against African migrants in Soweto

Taking part in the World Economic Forum in Davos, I have been shocked at the shooting, looting and killing that has been happening in parts of Soweto, the place where I grew up and regard as home.

We cannot allow the current tensions to run at such high levels, even less to flare up into violence and the targetting of residents from elsewhere in Africa. I condemn the killing and destruction of property, and deeply regret that a law enforcement officer is said to have been involved.

I appeal to the authorities to get to the root of the crisis, to act speedily to stop these attacks from spreading and to bring perpetrators to book.

We all belong together and no one should be excluded from township life or be chased out. Revenge will not solve problems, only a display of our innate goodness and generous forgiveness will take us forward.

On behalf of the Anglican Church, I convey our condolences to all who have lost family members.

The Most Revd Thabo Makgoba
Archbishop of Cape Town