Elukwatini SAPS declare war against xenophobia
Most of the foreigners agreed that the march made them feel loved and welcome in the area.
The police at Elukwatini near Badplaas embarked on a march against the recent outbreak of attacks on foreign nationals.
The event proved to be very successful. Various stakeholders comprising religious groups, the National Prosecuting Authority, the traffic department, the departments of health and home affairs, emergency services, home-based care units as well as the members of the community at large attended in numbers.
The executive mayor of Albert Luthuli Municipality, Cllr Busi Shiba, was also present.
“The synergy of the community and the police was a remarkable sight as they marched together and lifted up banners of hope with explicit messages that they do not want xenophobia to stand a slight chance in the area,” she said.
Police spokesman Const Peace Mbokane said all Elukwatini central businesses were visited during the march and prayed for by various church members.
“The town almost came to a standstill because most of the shops were closed in order to support the campaign. Some of the dedicated community members voluntarily supported the event by bringing water for the masses and other necessities, which ensured the success of the event,” said Mbokane.
He said members of society were judged according to how they treated the less-fortunate among them.
“The Elukwatini police are optimistic that the epidemic spread of attacks on foreign nationals will not come anything near our area after this beautiful gesture. This event portrayed Elukwatini which is renowned for excellence, a place associated with all benign practices. One could have been taken away by the marvellous sight of people from all walks of life and all races in one accord and in harmony.”
Most of the foreigners agreed that the march made them feel loved and welcome in the area.
Maj Elphas Mavuso, Vispol commander and acting station commander of Elukwatini, appreciated all contributions from various stakeholders.
“We are not the rainbow nation by word only, we become such by implementation. The writing is on the wall that Elukwatini is an ambassador of that doctrine and we intend to keep it that way,” Mavuso said.
