Unrest Latest: Sweden assures SA, investors to stay and rebuild

eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, has reassured the Swedish government that the city is working to protect foreign investment and save jobs following the recent unrest in the city. 

Kaunda met with the ambassador of Sweden to South Africa, Hakan Juholt on Friday. 

eThekwini Municipality said in a statement that the meeting was aimed to reassure the Swedish government that the Municipality is working to protect foreign investment and to save jobs following the recent civil unrest. 

Kaunda said he was encouraged that “team Sweden”, led by Ambassador Juholt, had encouraged their partners and businesses to unite with South Africa to protect and rebuild communities impacted by last week’s widespread violent unrest, riots and looting. 

“Sweden has over 150 businesses operating in South Africa, the majority of which are in Durban,” Kaunda said.

“It is important for us as the leadership of the municipality to meet with Swedish representatives, not only to allay any fears they may have, but to outline how we plan to protect investments in the city, whether local or foreign investment,” Kaunda said.

Juholt reassured Kaunda that Swedish investors intended to stay in the city and help the government to rebuild the country.

“Sweden has a long history of standing by our friends through the struggle for freedom and equality. We are here to stay and continue to help rebuild South Africa through this struggle. Our businesses are not going anywhere, we are in it for the long haul, now and in the future.”