THE Egypt-based African Federation of Miners and Mineral Wealth has strongly condemned attacks and violence targeting African workers in South Africa, warning that xenophobia threatens African unity and solidarity.
The Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Mineral Workers Union is an affiliate of the African Federation of Miners and Mineral Wealth.
In an official statement, the union’s general secretary Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim yesterday said African workers, particularly miners, were not enemies of the South African people, but were an integral part of the continent’s workforce and liberation history.
“The federation firmly declares that African workers, especially miners, are not enemies of the South African people,” he said.
“They are an essential part of the African workforce that has contributed to the development of the continent and supported African liberation movements throughout history.”
Ibrahim said African countries stood with South Africa during the struggle against apartheid by offering political, trade union and grassroots support until freedom was achieved.
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“The blood of Africans is one, their destiny is shared and their struggle against poverty, exploitation and injustice must never be transformed into conflict among Africans themselves.”
The federation said it was unacceptable for African nationals to face persecution, humiliation and violence on African soil, adding that urgent action was needed to protect vulnerable workers.
It further called on the South African government to immediately end attacks against African workers, especially those in the mining sector.
It also urged authorities to investigate and prosecute individuals and groups involved in violence, incitement and xenophobic campaigns.
“The government of South Africa must guarantee the protection, dignity, legal rights and safety of all African nationals residing and working in South Africa,” Ibrahim said.
He further called for comprehensive national campaigns against xenophobia and demanded protection for African workers in the mining, industrial and informal sectors from discrimination and violence.
The organisation appealed to the African Union to intervene urgently by adopting what it termed a “clear and principled position” on the attacks.
Among its recommendations, the federation urged the African Union to convene emergency consultations to address escalating attacks on African workers and defend the principles of African unity, freedom of movement and workers’ dignity.
“The federation warns that silence in the face of these crimes amounts to indirect encouragement for their continuation and threatens the future of African unity and solidarity,” he said.
The federation concluded its statement with a call for unity across the continent.
“Africa belongs to all Africans. The unity of African peoples is a red line. African workers will never be divided,” Ibrahim said.
The African Federation of Miners and Mineral Wealth is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, and represents miners and mineral sector workers across the African continent.
ZDAMWU general-secretary Justice Chinhema is the federation’s assistant general secretary.