The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) General Secretary Reverend Canon Peter Karanja, has appealed to South Africa’s government to confront the ongoing xenophobic narrative that is threatening to derail the reform agenda in that country, since the end of apartheid in early 90s.
While acknowledging concerns raised by South Africans, Canon Karanja called on President Jacob Zuma’s government to commit resources and partner with non-state actors in South Africa and create opportunities of engagement. He spoke at Jumuia Place Nairobi, during a courtesy call by South Africa High Commissioner to Kenya Her Excellency Ms. Koleka Anita.
The High Commissioner was on a mission to seek new opportunities and discuss possible areas of coorperation for South Africa, as part of her outreach activities in Kenya.
Canon Karanja said that NCCK and Kenyans in general were quite concerned about the developments in that country, adding that the Council was ready to work with the High Commission and the Church of South Africa, aimed at addressing some of the concerns raised. “We completely understand that as an emerging nation, it could be difficult to deal with some of these issues. We shall continue praying for South Africa and as a Council, we would like to nurture a relationship especially with our counterparts as we address these issues,” said Canon Karanja.
He underscored tremendous opportunities that existed in South Africa and called for synergies between Kenya and her neighbour.
On her part Ms. Koleka regretted the events back home and assured that South Africa remained steadfast. “South Africans are raising genuine issues but that does not justify attacks on foreigners whatever the issues are. We are clear on our foreign policy and remain committed to our ethos as a country. We are willing to accommodate everyone,” she said.
She lauded the role played by the Council especially in the liberation of South Africa from colonial masters. “NCCK is an anchor stakeholder that is quite important. To reconstruct and deal with the issues at home is a difficult journey. My mission is to share with you some of these issues, where we were, where we are and where we are going,” she stated during a meeting with Canon Karanja.
She blamed international media for depicting South Africa wrongly. “What is reported is not what is happening. This is a challenge of Africa generally and the political leaders have to deal with it,” said the High Commissioner.
Present during the meeting were NCCK Deputy General Secretary Dr. Nelson Makanda, Senior Programmes Officers Joseph Ng’etich, Grace Muthungu and Kepha Nyandega. Dr. Makanda called on Kenya and South Africa to build a relationship that can be emulated by the rest of the world.
