Issued by: Office of the President
7 July 1998
Danny Zhong The Chinese Community in Mourning China City Ellis Park
Dear Sir
The Office of the President has taken note of your open letter to the President, which appeared in the media today.
The President conveys his condolences to the parents of Danny Zhong, Mr and Mrs Tom Zhong. He is shocked at the loss of such a young life under the most cruel circumstances. The death of a child should not only outrage a section of our community, but all South Africans, irrespective of their cultural or racial background. The Office of the President is aware that the overwhelming majority of South Africans are angered by the loss of a life of a child of Danny's age and by all acts of crime irrespective of where they happen and who perpetrates them.
The President is aware of the contribution of the Chinese community in improving the lives of all South Africans. It is indeed true that South Africa has extended its hospitality to many from other parts of the world who are also contributing to make South Africa a better place to live in.
We must disabuse ourselves of the false notion that crime is a preserve of certain communities, or that members of certain communities do not participate in crime. A cursory examination of the overall crime situation will show that criminals originate from all South African communities. The nation that some communities do not harbour criminal elements might lead us to lower our guard and thereby unwittingly provide a haven to the most notorious criminals.
The general perception, more especially among the majority of South Africans, is that this government is indeed governing the country wisely. The moral standards we have set since we assumed authority in 1994 are unequalled in the history of this country. This view is shared by all sensible people all over the world. We are also of the view that most South Africans have confidence in our government.
We are adopting laws and policies that will ensure that a society without crime is built from the ashes of apartheid South Africa. In order to do that we have to create jobs and improve the lives of the people.
We are confident that together and with the acceptance of th bona fides of each other, South Africans will overcome this problems as well.
G J Gerwel