Community says no to xenophobia
The project is in response to the recent xenophobic attacks that occurred in different parts of the country earlier this year, including some of the Joburg east areas.
Residents of Bertrams and Troyeville, led by Sonke Gender Justice, launched its Wall of Diversity along Albertina Sisulu Road next to Appolonia Street.
The wall is part of the Johannesburg Central College.
The project is in response to the recent xenophobic attacks that occurred in different parts of the country earlier this year, including some of the Joburg east areas.
Miss Joyce Dlamini, from Sonke, said during one of the workshops held in the areas, community members were asked to raise their social concerns and write messages they wish to share with the wider community.
“We were expecting them to talk about gender-based violence and related topics but they chose xenophobia. They put it in a collage. An artist was called to interpreted the messages. Everything communicated on this wall comes from community members,” she said.
Some of the messages on the wall include asking men to stand up and stop the violence, while other messages called for an end to the attacks.
Miss Dlamini said one of the hopes about the wall is that residents will start a dialogue about the issue of xenophobia.
“These areas were among the worse hit areas during the attacks. Having the community talking about it will make them realise that we are one.
“We hope these messages will help us bridge the gap between South Africans and non-South Africans, and build a viable economy for the continent,” she said.
Ms Mmabatho Setati, from the Johannesburg Central Collage in Troyville, said interaction and integration has to start from an early age.
She said the issues raised by this project will address the morality in the community.
“Our society has lost moral fibre. The messages on the wall are from the community and we as a college are directly affected. We are a multicultural and multinational institution.
“When you attack foreigners, you speak of attacking registered students. That is why we say no to xenophobia,” said Miss Setati.
She said the project’s effects will be spread to the wider community in time.
“As the students, activities and the community members continue with the dialogues, its impact will be seen,” said Miss Setati.
