Refugees in Fordsburg

The escalating xenophobia carnage recently hit Fordsburg, known to many for its tranquility and hospitality towards people from all walks of life. This left some business owners with no option other than to close their businesses for few days. Violence erupted from Alexandra township and spread to other parts of Gauteng.

Johannesburg and its surroundings were struck with attacks from hooligans all in the name of “xenophobia” on Sunday 18 May with everyone fleeing for their lives leaving their belongings behind.

In lieu of this, most of the trading stores and shops in Fordsburg had to close for business in trepidation of being attacked. The roadside veggies sellers, who are mostly foreigners trading in this vicinity, were also affected.

Fordsburg, regarded to be a safe haven for foreigners most especially from North Africa, Somalia, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi amongst others. This ferocious act has brought lots of businesses to languish for few days until normalcy returns.

The Oriental Plaza, known to be the shopping Mecca of Johannesburg, was poised for attacks amidst claim of inhabiting migrants from other African countries. Many of these foreigners believed the locals wanted to depose them of their businesses and take over as it is in some parts of the city. Their absence has since paved way for some locals to invade their businesses immediately.

Many organisations and individuals have denounced this dastardly act and have called on the government for a speedy response towards the situation before it gets out of hands. Different aid agencies such as the Islamic Relief and Gift of the Givers have also co-ordinated donations in aid of the over 10,000 displaced victims. This bloodshed has since spread to other provinces such as Mpumalanga, Northwest and Kwa-Zulu Natal leaving 42 people dead so far.

A host of organisations, individuals and advocacy groups have promised to mar the African day celebration (24th and 25th May) with peaceful protests through marches sprouting from all corners of the city as well as Newtown where most of the Africa day celebration activities shall be taking place.

Although there have been mixed reactions from the public on this incident, critics have blamed government’s failure to deliver economic structural adjustment programmes and the poor political economy of the local state while some have blamed the angry residents for their nonchalance and envy towards foreigners.

Islamic Relief in conjunction with Arts Alive has organised a Refugee Integration Workshop on Sunday 25 May as part of Africa Day celebrations. The event will form part of ongoing efforts to advocate and enable government in combating violence against refugees and asylum seekers in SA. Most of these refugees require shelter, food, clothes among other basic necessities.

Interested donors can contact Abdullah Vawda(Islamic Relief) 073 841 5046

and Dr.Imtiaz Sooliman (Gift of the Givers) 011 832 1546 or 083 667 7179.

Article by Razaq Awofeso

MARCH AGAINST XENOPHOBIA

March against xenophobia and hate
21 May 2008


The SMI is mobilising social movements, immigrant communities, NGOs, unions, concerned residents from poor areas around the province for a march this Saturday, 24th of May. The march will gather at PIETER ROOS PARK (Empire & Queens Rd) – Next to the Brenthurst Clinic from 9a.m., proceed through Hillbrow and stop at the Departments of Home Affairs and Housing before ending at the Library Gardens. The message marchers will be conveying is that our struggle is common and knows no borders. Everyone who wants to make their voices heard should join us – our struggle knows no borders.

The Social Movements Indaba (SMI) – a co-ordinating national body of social movements, civil society and activist organisations – is organising with its affiliated organisations and immigrant communities to roll back the groundswell of xenophobia. In the years since its formation in 2002, the SMI has linked organisations of the poor in struggle for basic services, international solidarity and against police repression. At its last national meeting in December in Cape Town, the SMI identified xenophobia as a pervasive problem in communities and undertook to campaign against hatred of foreigners. Now that the crisis of hate crime is no longer foreboding and is terrifyingly HERE, there is no time to stall and wish we were better prepared. We are without hesitation committed to the struggles for social justice, internationalism and solidarity with all repressed people.
While the police have been deployed to try keep a lid on the pressure that has boiled over, this is no solution to the safety and security of all. As a xenophobic force in Johannesburg pre-existing the outbreak of violence, the police cannot be trusted to be more than the brute barrier between perpetrators and their targeted victims. The South African Police Services and Johannesburg Metro Police harass immigrants to solicit bribes as a matter of practice. Calling on the police to 'do their work' as president Thabo Mbeki and his government have done does not, therefore, address the issues of safety and security amongst immigrant communities. The refugee communities do not trust the police as impartial arbiters of the conflict. The police conducted a brutal raid on the Central Methodist Church on the 31st of January 2008 under the pretext of crime prevention. Criminalisation of immigrants is a smokescreen for deportation and bribery that the police has not cleared.
Long-lasting safety and security for all does not include deportation of foreign nationals, whether voluntary or not. Xenophobia's origins lie within the conditions of poverty in which the majority of South Africans live. Immigrants have been targeted for their ethnic difference and for their very similarity with their persecutors. Seen as competitors for scarce jobs and housing, south Africans have misdirected their anger at conditions of poverty that are unchanging. Their fellow brothers and sisters who are enduring the same cannot be responsible for what the economic and political system has created.
While we struggle for a change to the neo-liberal capitalist system that has created this reality, rearguard struggles for safety and security of immigrants in the country must continue. The SMI gives thanks for those humanitarian organisations, emergency services and churches that are trying to stem the tide of bloodletting and forced removals. We will organize against the creation of refugee camps and work towards the reintegration of immigrants in our communities. In working to recover our common humanity and restore calm, delegations from the SMI are meeting with community-based organisations in Alex and the inner city, and as the programme of action to roll-back the hate unfolds, the SMI will be going further afield to speak to affected communities.
— No one is illegal —
The SMI will be convening a press conference about the wave of xenophobic violence tearing through Gauteng and what civil society organisations and social movements are doing to combat it. The press conference will be taking place tomorrow, Wednesday 21 May 2008 - APF offices - 7th floor of Vogas House, 123 Pritchard Street (cnr Mooi) Johannesburg at 11a.m.

For directions or other enquiries, please contact the Anti Privatisation Forum on 011 333 8334.
For comment, please contact: Silumko Radebe (APF) 0721737268; Mhlobo Gunguluzi (Khanya College) 0843773013; Brian Burayai (Refugee Fellowship) 0732865667

URGENT APPEAL: XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS

From 12 May 2008 armed mobs beat, raped, robbed and killed foreigners in Alexandra township and set some ablaze. These attacks rapidly spread to the East Rand townships of Tembisa, Thokoza and Primrose, and by Sunday within the city centre of Johannesburg.Twenty two people have died and 217 people have been arrested.Islamic Relief staff who are in the country legally and their families have not escaped these well co-ordinated attacks which have grown in number and in brutality.These incidents have highlighted the serious extent to which xenophobic levels have reached, especially towards migrants from African countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Somalia, DRC and Burundi.Islamic Relief South Africa is concerned at the rising number of children and women affected by recent xenophobic attacks in Gauteng province.

To effectively use existing resources and not to duplicate relief efforts, IR is concentrating its relief efforts in Tembisa and in the City Centre of Johannesburg. IR will be focussing on the needs of hundreds of refugee women and children and is appealing for donations of baby clothes, baby food and nappies, sanitary towels, and food items.Islamic Relief Worldwide, through its forced migration programme, has provided relief assistance to hundreds of migrants and victims of xenophobic attacks, from Africa and the Asian subcontinent.

In Atteridgeville, Pretoria, more than 300 foreign migrants were assisted following xenophobic attacks during March 2008, under supervision of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Islamic Relief also provided assistance to victims of similar attacks that occurred at the Zwelethemba Township in Worcester and Masiphumelele, Western Cape, and also in Delmas, Mpumalanga.Many analysts contend that the senseless xenophobic slaughter could have been averted a long time ago, had public representatives and the government attended to the needs of many citizens, such as creating employment, providing housing, electricity, water, sanitation, access to healthcare and education, so that 14 years after the transition to a democracy people who have been dehumanised and oppressed by under Apartheid could have their humanity and dignity restored.Poor South Africans have now directed their anger towards foreigners, who are soft targets, instead of negotiating with national and local government for better service delivery. "Lashing out at foreigners is rather like domestic violence", says Loren Landau, WITS University Forced Migration programme.

"A man who loses his job may go home and beat his wife. He'll feel better for five minutes, but in the morning his wife is bruised and he still doesn't have a job."Apart from basic food and shelter, refugees and asylum seekers require extra protection and care because they have lost their belongings, and the protection of their countries. Refugees and asylum-seekers need food, shelter, education, physical as well as social security and health care etc.Islamic Relief will be hosting a Refugee Integration Workshop in conjunction with the city of Johannesburg, to be held on Africa Day (Sunday, 25 May 2008) in Johannesburg. The event is part of ongoing efforts to advocate and enable the government in combating violence against refugees and asylum-seekers in South Africa.

Mohammed Ziyaad Hassen
Islamic Relief South Africa


Group Info
Type:
Organizations - Non-Profit Organizations
Description:
International Relief and development organisationlocal chapter of worldwide organisation. South African focus is on resource mobilisation, orphans support, HIV and AIDS, Climate Change, Forced Migration and Advocacy

Contact Info
Email:
cassiem@islamic-relief.co.za
Website:
www.islamic-relief.co.za
Office:
57 Mint Road Fordsburg Johannesburg
Street:
57 Mint Road Fordsburg Johannesburg
City/Town:
Johannesburg, South Africa

COMMUNITY PATROLERS

By Fathima Jani

Many initiatives were implemented in 2007, aimed at reducing the rising levels of crime attacking Johannesburg, which were eating away at the very fabric of society.
One such crime-combating project is The Community Patroller Project, which was implemented eight months ago, and was the joint brainchild of The South African Police Services (SAPS) and The Johannesburg Central Police Station (JCPS).
Apart from easing the unemployment rate, it was and is a perfect tool for Visible Policing that helped in deterring criminals from those areas – and continues to do so at present.
The project was first introduced into the community via The Oriental Plaza in Fordsburg, who took on a few patrollers as a trial run, and through this, many more businesses which fall under the jurisdiction of JCPS came on board and employed more patrollers.
Businesses such as The United Muslim Meat Supply, AFCO Properties, Dragon City, Global Targets, M & P Trikam, China Mart and Piccadilly, saw the potential of the project and as a result, the project steadily grew.
Co-ordinator Captain Ebrahim of JCPS says that the patrollers are the ‘eyes and ears’ of the community, and will report all types of suspicious behaviour. They will make certain that the police are alerted when a robbery is in progress and be on hand to assist where possible.
He says “Not only are our patrollers there in a security capacity, but also in a service delivery capacity. They will report on Utility issues, such as waste not being removed, trees not being cut, lights not working, etc. They have a multifunctional job and will assist council to improve the areas they patrol.”
“However, when the project took off, there were 150 patrollers and now there are only 60 remaining. The employment of patrollers begins with a few businessmen on a street or block agreeing to pay R5.00 each a day towards the patrollers’ salaries to have them patrol outside their businesses between 8am to 5pm. But in time one businessman stops paying and decides not to be included in the project. The other businessmen get discouraged because the one business is getting free security and everybody pulls out.”
He says that just because of that one businessman, the project in that area falls away, and patrollers are left unemployed once again and criminals have one less security group to worry about.
According to the Manager of Polar Ice Cream, the patroller who watches over the business has had a huge positive impact in the area.
“Before the patroller was employed by us, we used to have hold-ups every week, which affected our business because we incurred losses. But with this patroller, who we have come to trust, there have been no robbery attempts from August last year till date.”
Jansen Zhang of Dragon City says “The visibility of the patrollers has really helped reduce crime at Dragon City. I encourage more people to employ these patrollers, which would make a big difference around their businesses.”
Both men encourage businessmen and women to embrace this project because it is proving to be a benefit for the community.
Ebrahim says that it is amazing how foreigners have seen the benefit of the project and have proved that they are now part of the South African community, who care about their impact on their communities, and the impact of crime on their customers.
He adds that more huge businesses need to come on board and support this project that would benefit communities, and would allow more small businesses to be included in this initiative.
“Right now, the huge organization AFCO Properties has employed some patrollers, and they are thinking of employing many more as it has benefited them. This is a huge step towards the Patroller project, and may just inject it with new life.”
Captain Ebrahim urges business people of Johannesburg to support this venture that can only contribute to a positive environment and help reduce crime.
He can be contacted on 084 587 8637.

Captain Ebrahim, Patroller and Manager of Polar Ice Cream.

Patroller outside Akhalwaya Take Aways on Hanover Street.

M & P Trikam.

Theba Function and hire in Fordsburg.

UNITED MUSLIM MEAT SUPPLY OF MAYFAIR COMES OUT TOPS

By Fathima Jani

The United Muslim Meat Supply in Mayfair has made its mark in the butchery industry, when they became winners of one of the 2007 Platinum Awards of the Cleaver Awards.
The ceremony was held in Johannesburg at The Garden Court Southern Sun OR Tambo Airport Hotel, which set the scene to recognize the excellent butcheries that have met the criteria set out for the competition.
Chairman and spokesperson for the Red Meat Industry Forum, Dave Ford says “The feedback we had received indicated that consumers expect top quality beef, a hygienic environment as well as a friendly and efficient service.”
“This is the reason that The Cleaver Awards was launched in 2005, to meet the needs of the consumer by raising standards amongst butchers. Initially we received 2 500 entries and this has increased to 11 000 entries across the nine provinces this year.”
A dramatic increase showing great support by the butchers themselves!!
Ford says that the awards has brought confidence to the consumer when they purchase South African beef from the winners butcheries, and has also recognized and rewarded South Africa’s best butcheries.
Cleaver Awards 70 finalists were independently assessed against a 212 point checklist that met consumer expectations.
The criteria included in-store hygiene, supplying quality beef, cost effective ways of buying the best cuts, and offering the best advice as to meal preparations.
Ford says “Due to the huge success and reaction to the awards from consumers and butchers alike, we foresee these prestigious awards becoming bigger and better in the future.”
CEO of United Butchery, Razzak Mia says “This is a great achievement which recognizes the hard work, time and energy, as well as the amount of resources involved in ensuring that we have this high quality butchery. It has given us the inspiration to do better in the future.”
He says that he is proud to have won the award, especially since they were the only Indian butchery chosen as a finalist for the Platinum Awards.
“I would like to thank our suppliers, customers and staff for the support that they have given to United throughout its existence.”

CCTV CAMERAS IN FORDSBURG

By Fathima Jani

A partnership was formed between the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the public, to launch an initiative that was aimed at decreasing crime levels in areas that have a high volume of traffic and pedestrians, as well as hotspot crime areas.
The initiative, in the form of surveillance CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) cameras, was implemented at the end of 2007.
Currently, there are 216 cameras installed throughout the Inner City which includes Fordsburg and other areas such as Crown Mines, Selby, Braamfontein, Doornfontein and Joubert Park.

Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, spokesperson of JMPD, says “The Control Room that monitors the cameras and responses to crimes being committed is operational 24/7, and is situated on Rissik Street. It has fully-trained camera operators and vehicles which are independent of the rest of the police force where, at any time a crime is in progress, they are able to send officers immediately to the scene.”
“There have been 91 arrests since the implementation of the cameras, and there will be many more. People are adhering to traffic laws and crime levels have decreased because they know that they are being watched all the time. Accident statistics has also seen a large decrease with a 70% drop during the Easter weekend, which is totally amazing.”
He says crimes that were committed by many offenders included assault, bag snatching, smash and grabs, pick pocketing and cell phone thefts. The strategically placed cameras have had a huge impact on the level of such crimes committed in those areas.

The success of the initiative can only be attributed to Omega Risk Solutions, the contractors entrusted with the design, installation, implementation, operation and maintaining of the CCTV cameras.
Project Manager Mike Sankey of Omega says “We use state-of-the-art equipment with the latest technology, which is capable of picking up a crime in progress at least three kilometres away, especially when placed on a roof top. It gives a clear and accurate picture of the crime and the response of the police officers.”
There is a huge amount of SAPS and Metro police in the areas, as well as 32 plainclothes policemen with unmarked vehicles who will immediately radio in suspicious behaviour/crimes in progress. Even non-threatening crimes such as street gambling is frowned upon and immediately stopped.
“As soon as a crime occurs, it is picked up by the CCTV camera which is manned by our operators in the Control Room, who will inform the patrolling officers and they will respond immediately.”
He says that Omega’s surveillance cameras are unique from across the world because of its impressive design and high-tech capabilities. No crime goes unnoticed and unpunished, be it petty or serious. The cameras will help decrease crimes varying from minor to major, be it pick pocketing or rape.

Wayne Minnaar echoes his sentiments “There has been an 86% conviction rate due to the CCTV cameras footage. The videos are accepted as evidence in court and this ensures that criminals are dealt with severely and speedily by the law.”
He says that on 25 April 2008, 62 000 illegal weapons were destroyed at the Riviera Hotel in Vereeniging. Much of these weapons were discovered through the use of the CCTV camera, which enabled the police to confiscate and destroy them.

Mike says “The cameras have another unique aspect of being multifunctional – it not only deals with crime, but also with service delivery as it has been often noted that crime and grime go hand in hand.”
By dealing with issues such as non-functional lights, waste dumps, overgrown trees, etc., urban environment improves and criminals are not provided with easy coverage of their trade.
He says that the city has had a huge negative reputation due to crime, however with the help of the cameras and the huge efforts of the police, the CBD is now seeing a glimpse of the old vibrant life with restaurants and coffee shops opening their doors.
Many businesses closed from the mid 90s till recently, but now the winds have changed as businesses come to life around Johannesburg. This is the desired result of the initiative – a reviving of the old ways of life, a creation of security and a place that is open and welcoming.

The CCTV cameras will encourage criminals not to even think of committing crimes within three kilometres of the CBD, because they will have the eye of the law firmly planted on their shoulders, recording every single action that they carry out.
Mike says “Our police officers will materialize before they can get away and the full force of the law will be directed at them. The camera presence will ensure that citizens feel safe and they will know that crime is being monitored 24/7.”

Omega’s CCTV surveillance cameras have contributed positively towards the Urban Development initiatives of the government, and will continue to grow in volume and strength as 2008 progresses.

SANZAF AWARDS EVENING 2008

By Fathima Jani

THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL
ZAKAH FUND ORGANIZATION
0861 SANZAF/0861 726 923
P.O. BOX 42565, Fordsburg, 2033
Gauteng Head Office
39 Mint Road, Fordsburg
Email: support@sanzaf.org.za

The South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) organization was founded in 1974 and its Gauteng Head Office is situated in Fordsburg, opposite the ever popular Fordsburg Flea Market ‘Square’.

Founder of SANZAF, Shaukat Thokan, accepted the disheartening fact that the poor are getting poorer and the gap between the poor and others in society was getting wider. He decided to introduce an organization that would assist the poor to improve on their lives and become self-sufficient.
Since then, the organization has grown from strength to strength, and has now many projects underway that reaches out to all parts of Gauteng and to people from all walks of life.

2008 saw SANZAF celebrating two significant awards evenings that commemorated the efforts of those who have made excellent use of SANZAF’s assistance and excelled in their respective fields – as well as celebrating the huge efforts of the organization towards a better South Africa.
On 09 February 2008, their annual Honours Evening took place at the Nana Memorial Hall in Crosby. This was to honour all the students who have completed their university studies successfully through the aid of SANZAF’s Loan Bursary Programme, as well as those students who have earned the most distinctions in their studies.

This initiative began 20 years ago and was intended for the needy and A-Aggregate Muslim students in South Africa for studies at South African universities.
Administrator Hoosen Essof says “Insha-Allah, we will be able to hand out 148 bursaries with an average of R15 000.00 per student from last year’s 128 bursaries of R10 000.00 per student. Many of our students have now received bursaries from larger organizations such as VW and SASOL, which proves that SANZAF has accomplished its goal – to see the benefactors of the programme achieving excellent results so that they are able to benefit from the huge bursary initiatives of the giant companies, and as a result embark on their chosen careers.”
He urges more people to contribute towards the Zakah fund so that more bursaries can be handed out, and collectively help many more youngsters with their studies and future careers.

On 12 April 2008, SANZAF’s Entrepreneurs of the Year Awards was held, also at the Nana Memorial Hall. The awards is dedicated to the hardworking individuals that were trained and/or financially supported through SANZAF’s Business Training Programme, who continue to operate their businesses months after having received support from SANZAF and have attained financial self-sufficiency.

This initiative began two years ago when there was recognition of the intense need of families and individuals to gain help in crawling out of the clutches of poverty.
A person feels sad, depressed or angry to see the ever increasing number of people that walk the streets, begging door to door, yet there are so many alternatives and opportunities available for people to become actively engaged in some or other income generating initiative or even a paying job.
SANZAF recognized that there are people in the community who need assistance to learn skills or be placed in employment, instead of allowing them to become dependent on welfare.
SANZAF’s programme ensures that this is possible, and has an annual awards evening to honour those who have grabbed this opportunity with both hands and made successes of their businesses thereby improving their lives.

SANZAF is continuously acknowledged for its tremendous work in the social-development field, and constantly strives for higher standards of delivery.
It is through the immense support of the community that programmes and projects are able to be implemented, yet there are still hundreds of people in need of aid.
SANZAF welcomes all those who wish to contribute their Zakah as there are still more students and more families who will benefit from your assistance.