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NAAMSA MEDIA RELEASE : FOR IMMEDIATE RELESE
On the occasion of Africa Day – commenting on the ongoing turmoil in areas in South Africa – Dr Johan van Zyl, President of the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, condemned the tragic events which had resulted in the loss of lives of many people, principally foreign nationals, and the displacement of thousands of persons.
The unfortunate events had negatively impacted on foreign perceptions about South Africa and on investor and business sentiment.
Unless the situation was stabilised and brought under control, as a matter of extreme priority, the attractiveness of South Africa as an industrial investment and tourist destination could be compromised with adverse consequences for the country’s future growth and development potential.
Dr Van Zyl called on South Africans of all political persuasions, leaders of the community, business, labour and government to unite and work together to restore stability in affected areas and provide moral and material support to the victims of the violence.
Once stability has been restored, it was essential that the authorities should urgently address the complex and varied causes of the problem which should include, amongst others, the need for more effective controls on the movement of foreigners into South Africa, improved service delivery throughout residential areas and measures to relieve economic hardship.
Initiatives should also be considered to address the harm to South Africa’s moral stature flowing from the tragic events and to re-establish the country’s reputation for tolerance and inclusiveness.
NAAMSA OFFICES: PRETORIA
23RD MAY, 2008
