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Instead of enjoying the annual budget dinner, councillors have elected to donate the food to the people displaced by the xenophobic violence spreading across Gauteng.
Executive Mayor Amos Masondo and his councillors donated the food prepared for the budget dinner to people displaced by the xenophobic violence
THOUSANDS of displaced immigrants in Johannesburg will receive food from the City, which has elected to donate meals rather than hold its annual post-budget gala dinner. City officials savour the annual dinner, usually held after the mayor delivers his budget speech.
Xenophobic violence, which erupted in the northern township of Alexandra some two weeks ago, has affected thousands of people. More than 40 people have been killed and hundreds arrested. Numbers of displaced people vary from 15 000 to 30 000. The violence has spread across Gauteng in the past fortnight.
In a show of unity with the immigrants, the City offered to "forgo" its dinner on Thursday, 22 May, "in support of displaced families", said Virgil James, the City's spokesperson.
"During its budget debate, the council resolved to forgo its traditional dinner and instead have the food sent to families displaced by the recent attacks on foreign nationals," James said.
The council also reiterated that Jozi would always be an inclusive city, which distanced itself from xenophobic violence.
"The City of Johannesburg condemns and disassociates itself from the attacks on foreign nationals that [have taken] place in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg," said Gabu Tugwana, the City's director of communications, shortly after the first attacks. "We call on communities to act in a responsible manner and remain calm."
A City statement reads that Johannesburg is a city where community development, personal growth and social mobility are enhanced so that the challenges of poverty, vulnerability, inequality and social exclusion can be fundamentally addressed.
Condemning the violence, Executive Mayor Amos Masondo called for a moment's silence for the people killed, during his budget speech, delivered on Wednesday, 21 May.
Various councillors also condemned the attacks. "[They then] reiterated the call for councillors and staff, especially from the community development department, emergency management services and Johannesburg metro police to continue with the sterling work done thus far," James confirmed.
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