Hon Deputy Speaker, the NFP condemns the violent acts taking place within our country. As we speak right now, many South Africans and foreigners lay victim to violence. Many innocent citizens and noncitizens are being attacked or caught in the violent crossfire. The violent encounters between citizens and noncitizens are not new; the frictions between the two have been brewing in our informal settlements.
The increase of femicide, xenophobic attacks and protest action tells us that we are in a crisis and as leaders we need to take
action to protect each South African citizen as well as foreigners seeking a better future. We know that there are approximately 2,5 million migrants in the country seeking protection and jobs; two factors that we are unable to provide. We know the figures: a 29% unemployment rate, that is more than 6,6 million people without jobs; 30% of South Africans have no access to running water; 13% live in informal dwellings. These are millions of people who do not have access to decent living. The fear and paranoia amongst citizens is increasing due to uncertainty of their future.
Hon Deputy Speaker, as the NFP, we will not ignore the complaints listed by South Africans. We are constantly hearing about foreign nationals selling drugs to our kids, importation of fake goods and the idea that foreigners occupy jobs meant for citizens. Informal settlements are dominated by foreign-owned businesses, evidently making it difficult for citizens to infiltrate the market.
The need for mechanisms to assist in social cohesion should be the focus in combating violence between foreign nationals and
citizens. Social cohesion influences economic and social development, and nurturing a more cohesive society is an important policy goal in itself for our country.
Hon Deputy Speaker, the reality is that South African women feel unsafe in their own country. Walking in your area of residence without fear of being mugged or attacked by a criminal is a basic freedom that everyone should enjoy. Gender-based violence has reached undeniably alarming levels in South Africa. In order to ensure alleged offenders are brought to justice, the government must also ensure that gender-based violence is taken seriously at every level of the justice system, including by challenging discriminatory stereotypes about victims and survivors.
A woman is murdered every three hours in South Africa, and more than 40 000 rapes are reported every year - police data shows. [Time expired.] Thank you.