ANC ssuspends xenophobic councilor

The ANC has suspended the Western Cape councilor Mpumelelo Lubisi for allegedly fanning violence against foreigners in November 2009. The Western Cape provincial task teams spokesperson Mandla Dlamini has confirmed the suspension. A Zimbabwean is alleged to have submitted an affidavit which stated that the concerned councilor told him that he has not seen any xenophobia yet but will see the real xenophobic attacks. Councilor Lubisi is said to have told the South Africans at a public meeting to destroy shacks belonging to the Zimbabweans in De Doorns about 150 km out of Cape town. About 2700 Zimbabweans were displaced and more than a thousand are still staying in some tents. Mpumelelo Lubisi is also being investigated by the public protector for incitement after some Zimbabweans laid their complaints against him. People against Suffering, Suppression, Oppression and Poverty (PASSOP) have hailed the suspension. Passop says they are happy with the suspension but would have love d to see the arrest as that is deterrent. The Passop coordinator Braam Hanekom told The Zimbabwean that, Yes it is good that the ANC has suspended the councilor who is responsible for xenophobic attacks. We believe that Lubisi the suspended councilor should have been arrested, but that is a decision to be made by police not the ANC. We call upon the ANC to lead the battle against xenophobia and to deal harshly with those responsible especially if they are involved within ANC structures. We know that the ANC is active in some of the most violent areas so thus we appeal for their leadership in this battle against xenophobia. The De Doorns councilors behavior is an absolute disgrace. The continued political infighting within ANC branches fueled by desperate individuals to garner support is also a causal factor in the xenophobic incitement committed by the local councilors. We want the ANC to work towards peace stability and a better South Africa for all, which would mean improvements for those (including asylum seekers) who live in economically disempowered communities. Mr. Hanekom says criminal charges were laid against the councilor but were later withdrawn due to intimidation. Braam Hanekom says his organization is monitoring the situation and will ensure that justice prevails.