Africans unite against xenophobia
Thousands of South Africans and foreign nationals join hands and marched against xenophobia in Pretoria on Friday.
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula called on all South Africans to unite and fight against the scourge of xenophobic attacks in the country.
Addressing thousands of people during a march organised by the Arts and Culture department against xenophobia outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday, Mapisa-Nqakula said all the people of Africa had the same blood, and therefore, the South African government would not tolerate xenophobia, racism and any form of discrimination of one by another.
“We must not allow criminals to destroy the people’s hard fought democracy,” The massive march led by among others the Minister of art and culture Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of Telecommunication and Postal Services Siyabonga Cwele and Tshwane metro mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa started at the Pretoria City Hall and ended at an open area outside the Union Buildings.
It involved South Africans and foreign nationals and saw united African people pledging solidarity against the resent attacks on foreign nationals.
Ramokgopa, who is also the ANC Tshwane regional chairperson, handed over the pledge to Minister Mapisa-Nqakula.
The pledge was signed by among others leaders of society, political organisations and artists who all demonstrated African people’s commitment to work together with the South African government to resolve the problem of xenophobia.
“We will defeat xenophobia, inequality, unemployment and hunger,” Ramokgopa said.
Among some artists who attended the march were Robbie Malinga, Ihashi Elimhlophe, Doctor Malinga, Mzwakhe Mbuli and Solly Mahlangu. They recently recorded a new song about the unwanted violence to other African people.
Minister Mthethwa appreciated the song and described arts and culture as the most powerful weapon in the hands of humanity.
The march against xenophobia took place after several foreign nationals were reportedly attacked in the country in the past few weeks.
It has been reported that some victims lost their lives the attacks in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
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