MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Mozambican Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Communities, Maria de Fátima Mando, met with the Mossel Bay Municipality today, 13 June for a visit “focused on strengthening cooperation and expressing appreciation for local support,” in the aftermath of protest action in KwaNonqaba in May, which resulted in the displacement of hundreds of Mozambican nationals who had been living in Mossel Bay.
De Fátima Mando and an official Mozambican delegation met with the Municipal Manager Colin Puren, the Executive Mayor Dirk Kotzé, and Portfolio Chairperson for Community Safety, Cllr Leon van Dyk of the Mossel Bay Municipality.
According to the municipality, the visit served as an opportunity to acknowledge the humanitarian response coordinated at local level, including support provided to affected individuals and families during a time of crisis.
She expressed her sincere gratitude to the municipality and the broader Mossel Bay community for the compassion and assistance extended to the 580 Mozambican nationals affected by the unrest, and who were safely transported back to Mozambique on 1 June.
The meeting arrives on the eve of the March for Peace walk, scheduled for tomorrow, 14 June.
The march will begin at 15:00 from Barcelona Circle in KwaNonqaba, and is aimed at promoting “unity, healing, and social cohesion,” following the unrest, which also resulted in the deaths of two Mozambican men.
“The march will bring together residents, faith-based organisations, community leaders, and stakeholders to stand collectively against violence and division, while reaffirming Mossel Bay’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and shared humanity,” said the municipality.
Previous articles:
- Mossel Bay to unite for March for Peace
- Displaced Mossel Bay foreign nationals to be relocated after suspected xenophobic incidents
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