The MEC for Safety, Security and Liaison,  Ms Joyce Mashamba, praised the people of Musina for their ability to embrace foreign nationals and live with them in peace and harmony.

“The fact that not even a single incident of xenophobia has been reported in Musina should encourage people from other parts of the country to follow suit.” Mashamba was delivering the keynote address during the provincial African Peer Review Mechanism Seminar on Xenophobia that was held at the Musina show grounds last week.

Launched in 2003 by the African Union (AU), the African Peer Review Mechanism is a mutually-agreed-upon instrument voluntarily acceded to by the member states of the AU as an African self-monitoring mechanism. Originating from and owned by African countries, it provides an opportunity for civil society participation and public dialogue on governance issues.

When welcoming the guests who filled the hall to capacity, Mayor Carol Phiri of Musina commended the government for bringing the historic event to Musina. “We are greatly humbled to host this prestigious event whose main purpose is to influence good human relations between people from different cultural backgrounds and ethnic origins. Over the years, the African Peer Review Mechanism has been a leader in the development and advancement of a united and diverse nation and the broader agenda of transformation in our society.”

Mashamba said the most interesting fact about the African Peer Review Mechanism initiative was that it was a bold, unique and innovative approach designed and implemented by Africans for Africa.  “We hope that this seminar will give an opportunity to participants to learn from Musina how people from different nationalities live together in peace. I have no doubt that this seminar will baar fruits that will benefit all of us. We acknowledge that, as we speak, the African Peer Review Mechanism, in spite of early evidence of a positive impact, still faces major challenges of a human, financial, technical and political nature.”

Mashamba also acknowledged the role played by African countries in the acquisition of freedom by South Africa. “It is also important to acknowledge the international support we got from our partners while we were still living in oppression. We will never forget where we come from because we know that we have been assisted by different stakeholders to be where we are today. That is why we condemn any form of xenophobia in the strongest terms. Our constitution guarantees the rights of everyone, including the foreign nationals.  We have no doubt that this seminar will bear fruits which will remain to be seen for decades to come.”

During the seminar, foreign nationals were given an opportunity to talk about their experiences in the country. Mr Olusegum Obadure from the University of Venda also gave an opinion piece on xenophobia.