Join the People’s March Against Xenophobia

Civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, academia, educators and school students, as well as government and the private sector will come together in their thousands to join the People’s March Against Xenophobia today, April 23.

In an overwhelming show of support for predominantly desperate Africans who have been under attack this past month, Gauteng will demonstrate solidarity with all affected communities living among us, and our rejection of the violence.

We are determined to show the compassionate side of South Africa that welcomes instead of injures.

Gauteng premier David Makhura and City of Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau will also be joining the march.

Both offices have been involved in working with the coalition organising the People’s March Against Xenophobia to ensure that this is a peaceful event that demonstrates the overwhelming rejection of these heinous acts.

Law enforcement officials and over 2 000 marshals will be on hand to guarantee the safety of individuals attending the march.

While displacement camps are an attempt at providing sanctuary, they cannot be a protracted feature of government’s response.

Together, South Africa must take up the challenge to ensure the displaced are reintegrated into communities they fled through a process of reconciliation.

The People’s March Against Xenophobia is an emergency coalition convened to confront the horrors of xenophobia in South Africa and to take a stand to denounce the violence and embrace unity.

The march starts at 1pm from Pieter Roos Park, situated at the corner of Empire Road and Victoria Avenue, Parktown.

Marchers will make their way to Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg.

The City of Johannesburg will provide park and ride services from 11am from Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown.

There will be no parking available at Pieter Roos Park.

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