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Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi,

Prosper Ndlovu Business Editor
THE outbreak of xenophobic violence in South Africa particularly in KwaZulu-Natal province, has a damaging effect on the country’s tourism and investment image, the opposition Inkatha Freedom Party has said.

In a statement at the weekend, IFP spokesperson on Economic Development and Tourism, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, described the attacks as heinous and ruthless crimes against humanity.

“We’re quite concerned that these attacks might have a negative impact in KZN especially in tourism. We condemn the attacks as having seriously damaged the country’s reputation and as heinous and ruthless crimes against humanity,” said Buthelezi.

“These acts of violence have the potential to destroy KZN’s image as a tourist destination and deter foreign direct investment in our province.”

Official records indicate seven foreigners have been killed during the brutal attacks in South Africa that have also sparked widespread looting of foreign-owned businesses.

African Union and Sadc chair, President Robert Mugabe and the United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-Moon, have condemned the anti-African immigrant violence in South Africa, imploring the continent’s citizens to treat each other with dignity.

The Mongosuthu Buthelezi-led IFP said safety has always been an important prerequisite to attracting national and international tourists as well as investors.

“If the situation isn’t dealt with swiftly, tourists from other countries would cancel their visits and this wouldn’t reflect well economically on the KZN tourism industry,” added Buthelezi.

He said long-term effects of the attacks would be difficult to turn around as visitors and investors plan their schedules well in advance.

“Our economy is already taking strain and we can’t afford to have any negative influences that will hamper our potential to grow,” he said adding: “KZN presently enjoys a good reputation of being a tourism destination of choice by other countries. Right now the GDP is about R25 billion. We must do whatever is necessary to protect that reputation and build investor confidence.

“Foreign direct investments will create much-needed local jobs that will in turn reduce poverty. Reducing unemployment and poverty will in turn reduce crime. These knock-on effects will result in a peaceful nation that can take its place in the international community as safe destination for tourists as well as investors,” said Buthelezi.

The IFP further called on the international community to avoid indiscriminately advising its citizens to refrain from visiting or investing in South Africa.

The violence in South Africa flared a fortnight ago in what has been blamed on alleged inflammatory hate speech by Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini who reportedly demanded that foreigners must pack their bags and leave.

Similar attacks occurred in 2008 when 62 people were killed and thousands displaced.