Community takes a stand against xenophobia
KwaThema - Churches, government departments and members of the community took to the streets on Saturday in a prayer walk against xenophobia and drug abuse.
While others were still in slumber, sleep was the last thing on the minds of concerned residents from Kwatsaduza, Springs and Swaziland.
They walked the streets of KwaThema and held prayer sessions at the Central Methodist Church hall.
Explaining the purpose of the day, Rev Simphiwe Mthembu, stated they wanted to voice their frustrations about the xenophobic attacks that are happening in some areas of the country, while also saying no to drugs.
He said they will also go the other parts of the country to educate young people about the dangers of drugs and the importance of loving, accepting, and living in peace with African immigrants.
Mthembu believes that it is a community’s responsibility to ensure that society is rid of xenophobia and drugs.
“We need to stand together and fight the xenophobic attacks that seem to rule in our townships,” he said.
Rev Ray Godess, who has been working with drugs addicts for more than a decade, advised the youth to stay away from drugs.
He encouraged them to not allow peer pressure to control their lives.
Godess also appealed to all South Africans to stand together against xenophobic violence, and to protect and love foreign nationals.
“We are all Africans and we need to ensure that we are safe in our own land,” he concluded.
