South African Deputy President says not all Zimbabweans are criminals

By Lance Guma
21 September 2006

South Africa’s deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has told Members of Parliament in that country that there was no evidence to suggest Zimbabweans were responsible for the crime rate. She made the remarks when responding to a question by Democratic Alliance MP Pierre Rabie who asked whether the influx of Zimbabweans into South Africa had any effect on crime and the economy. Mlambo-Ngcuka told parliament, ‘I would also like to ask that you do not create an impression that all Zimbabweans are criminal because, as you know, this could create problems for those people who may be unfairly attacked and victimised by members of society.’

She said international migrants played a vital role in the economy and Zimbabweans were particularly valued in areas where South Africa had skills shortages. The deputy president told the National Assembly that Zimbabweans had ‘a high level of financial skills,’ and played an important role in South Africa’s health and tourism sectors. She however disclosed that as a government they could not disclose statistics relating to the number of foreigners involved in crime, as this would make them vulnerable to attacks. South Africa is also a signatory to various international conventions that prohibit the release of such figures.

Eleanor Sisulu the Media and Advocacy Manager for the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (South Africa) chapter described Mlambo-Ngcuka’s comments as progressive. She says although there were Zimbabweans involved in crime, stories on the numbers were greatly exaggerated.