Call for South Africans to say #NoToXenophobia

The ANC’s national executive committee member, Jessie Duarte, tonight expressed concern over xenophobic violence spreading to Johannesburg. 

Foreign shop owners closed their shops today following threats of attacks.

The Hillbrow SAPS Cluster communications officer, Constable Thabo Malatji, said the SAPS will remain on high alert.

South Africans have taken to social media, calling for an end to the attacks since violence erupted in KwaZulu-Natal.

Yusuf Abramjee from Crime Line and LeadSA has taken to Twitter urging South Africans to say #notoxenophobia.

The Minister of Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa condemned the attacks on foreign nationals, describing xenophobia as a “stumbling block to nation building”.

He announced a month-long cultural programme to use arts, culture and heritage to build unity in communities and forge closer relations among all people who live in this country. 

The Africa Month cultural celebrations, themed We are Africa – Opening the doors of culture from Cape to Cairo will take place from May 1.

Over 31 countries will send artists from various genres to participate at the inaugural festival.

“We are saddened by the violence. As a department that leads and promotes nation building and social cohesion, we discourage any form of violence and hate speech that violates the human rights of people who are part of our society, irrespective of their background, race or place of origin,” he said.

It has also been announced President Jacob Zuma will talk about the xenophobic violence when he addresses parliament tomorrow.