Xenophobia in South Africa affects 2,000 Mozambican freight carriers; “losses could reach daily average of US$3 million” – CTA

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Xenophobia in South Africa affects 2,000 Mozambican freight carriers; “losses could reach daily average of US$3 million” – CTA

10:31 CAT | 05 Sep 2019

Picture: CTA

Xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa left some 2,000 haul truckers from the neighbouring Mozambique paralysed causing daily losses of 1 million U.S. dollars, said the Confederation of Economic Associations (CTA) of Mozambique on Wednesday.

Castigo Nhamane, CTA vice president, told reporters at a press conference in Maputo that “if we include passenger transport, losses could reach a daily average of 3 million U.S. dollars.”

As Mozambique’s main employers’ association, the CTA calls for urgent intervention from the government to end these riots, said Nhamane.

Xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa are frequent, culminating in deaths, injuries, and looting of foreign businesses or enterprises operating in the country.

The recent surge of xenophobic violence in South Africa has led to seven deaths, according to local authorities, with no Mozambicans among the victims.

Nhamane said the situation has reached alarming level in some cities, victimising immigrants seeking employment opportunities and better living conditions in South Africa.

“CTA believes that these xenophobic events undermine the peace, concord, stability and harmonious development of our countries, affecting families, businesses and society as a whole,” said Nhamane.

The CTA vice president added that the strike is damaging the economy of South Africa and the region, mainly due to its impact on the movement of people and goods.

CTA is coordinating forum to interact with the government and induce laws for better business environment in Mozambique.

Source: Xinhua