4th September 1998

The SACP condemns in the strongest terms the train attack yesterday which led to the tragic death of two Senegalese and a Mozambican. According to press reports the attack was carried out by members of a grouping calling itself the Unemployed Masses of South Africa.  UMSA speakers in the past have been guilty of making highly inflammatory xenophobic statements against non-nationals in our country.  We call on UMSA leaders to condemn the actions that led to these deaths, and to draw the appropriate lessons about their own demagogy.

Unemployment, as the SACP has stated on numerous occasions, is the most serious crisis afflicting our society.  It is not caused, however, by the influx of poor working people from neighbouring countries or from elsewhere in Africa.  Solutions to unemployment - currently a subject of constructive debate and discussion within the ANC/SACP/COSATU alliance in the run-up to the October 31 job summit - need to focus upon sustainable and coherent industrial policies.

South Africans, more than most, have benefited hugely from the support and solidarity of poor countries in our region and in our continent.  The peoples of our region are also the victims of apartheid war and destabilisation.  To unleash popular frustrations against the poor of other countries is a dangerous and diversionary ploy that must be condemned by all.  The present turmoil in the Great Lakes region of Africa should remind us of how dangerous demagogic xenophobic mobilisation can be.

Issued by: SACP HQ