By Your government is a ranging fire. When will the storm end? When will you hear us? Are you not a father? Your kids are dying
The former Democratic Alliance (DA) Mayor of Johannesburg Dr Jackie Phamotse has come out strongly against the Bi-National pact between South Africa and Nigeria regarding the simplified process to apply for visa and travel between the two countries.
Joining a number of other South Africans who have expressed dissatisfaction with the travel agreement; Dr Phamotse wrote an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa to air her concerns. Citing the high levels of Gender Based Violence (GBV), human trafficking and violent crimes, she said allowing Nigerians to travel or enter the country with ease will only make matters worse.
Dr Jackie Phamotse wrote that she, along with other women in the country are living in constant fear for their lives. A number of South Africans have pointed to the notion that most Nigerians in the country are criminals and involved in drugs, human trafficking, sex trade and many other crimes.
“Your government is a ranging fire. When will the storm end? When will you hear us? Are you not a father? Your kids are dying!” lamented Jackie Phamotse.
“As you are aware, human trafficking is a serious issue in Southern Africa, with many victims being lured into forced labour, sexual exploitation, and other forms of modern-day slavery. The fact that our country still struggles with high levels of GBV, high jacking and rape only adds to the sense of unease.
Furthermore, it’s heart-breaking to see that our Constitutional rights are not being protected and our communities continue to suffer from poverty and unemployment. The lack of job opportunities and the feeling of being ignored by the government have eroded our faith in your leadership,” she continued.
Phamotse has called on the President to reconsider his decision to relax the strict requirements to apply for a visa for Nigeria; she said children need to grow up in a safe country and environment free from the threat of violence and exploitation.
She further suggested possible remedies to combat crime and human trafficking in the country to President Ramaphosa. She urged Ramaphosa to increase funding for law enforcement, strengthen border control measures. Address issues of poverty and unemployment which are the root cause of crime.
And she urged him to listen to the concerns of the citizens of South Africa.
