By: Neo Potwana

A special reference group tasked and funded by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu will investigate the causes and find solutions to the latest xenophobic attacks in the province.

The African Centre for the Constructive  Revolution of Disputes Accord group, chaired by Judge Navy Pillay, held a press conference at the Youth Centre in Chatsworth on Wednesday to share information on the establishment of the group and discuss the strategy of its investigation.

With motive to find solutions, Pillay said that the group will do its work by working hand-in-hand with representatives from different organizations, victims and affected communities.

She said that they are doing this “with the objective of identifying, enhancing and sustaining interventions that target peace, community harmony and cohesion”.

Pillay added that the reference group’s secretariat have developed a work plan to implement the assignment.

“A plenary report will be presented to the premier in three months time, followed by a final report on or by 31 October 2015. Where necessary, we will brief the premier on urgent matters and he has welcomed this,” said Pillay.

Vice Chair Comfort Ngidi, a practicing attorney, mentioned that they met with South African traders from Inanda.

This was because they plan to “engage in consultations and dialogues with affected communities and also visited the Chatsworth shelter where displaced foreign nationals are housed”.

Pillay mentioned that they will soon meet with affected Somali and Ethiopian traders to build a way forward.