Malvern councillors take a stand against xenophobia

Councillors Lindani Zulu and Vusimuzi Zondo are saying no to xenophobia.

On 11 March an anti-xenophobia soccer game was held at Jules High School by the two councillors in conjunction with Sonke Gender Justice.

“Our wards were affected by the xenophobic attacks and we wanted to bring peace and get men talking because, in most cases, men lead in protests. If you get them to understand that xenophobic attacks are wrong, you have reached the community,” explained Zondo.

Four teams participated and the game was open to all age groups. “We are happy to see the community support the day and we would also like to thank the teams for responding to our call to fight xenophobia through a common language, which is soccer,” said Zulu.

Sonke Gender Justice spoke with the crowd to create awareness about xenophobic attacks and how much damage it does to the community. Vital Kabamba Mabondo, senior trainer at Sonke Gender Justice said he was pleased to see that the community came to support the soccer match. “Soccer is one language that most men understand. Men love soccer and we decided, why not host the soccer game to bring men from the community together to come and play a game of soccer, while we engage with the community and create awareness of xenophobic attacks,” said Mabondo.

He said it’s important to address xenophobic attacks at a community level by carrying out campaigns aimed to raise awareness and educate the public about its negative effects.

Details: Lindani Zulu 072 251 642; Vusimuzi Zondo 082 048 6288; Sonke Gender Justice 011 339 3589.

Tell us about your experience of xenophobia, on the Joburg East Express Facebook page.

https://joburgeastexpress.co.za/69779/violence-flares-up-in-denver/