King’s speech calls for end to xenophobia

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Monday morning for a peace imbizo, called by King Goodwill Zwelithini.

This comes after the spate of attacks on foreigners in KwaZulu-Natal, especially in Durban, in the last few weeks.

Zwelithini has faced much criticism for a speech he made last month, when he reportedly said, ‘foreigners must pack their bags and go home’.

In his speech at the imbizo, the king claimed the media had misquoted him and blamed the attacks on a third force. He also pleaded with people to end the violence.

Since the violence started, six people have been reported dead and 114 people have been arrested for offences including murder, public violence, business robbery, theft and possession of firearms and ammunition.

Foreigners in the Highway area believe that the xenophobic attacks on them are nothing but criminal acts.

Most stores around the taxi ranks and Hill Street in Pinetown are still closed as foreigners are fearing for their lives. The stalls on the streets stood empty, as most foreign vendors have decided to return to their homes.

Mozambican national, James Mahalamba, who has resided in South Africa for 10 years, said he has decided to go back home. “I can not live like this, I now live in fear. I came to South Africa to make a living and earn some money for my family.

“We are suffering back at home, the money I make here I send to my family so that they do not go to bed on empty stomachs.”

An emotional Mahalamba said he does not understand why they are being targeted. “What have we done? We do not abuse anyone here, we do not steal from anyone, we just sell fruit.

“The worst part is that the people who are attacking us are young boys who smoke whoonga.

“There are only few of us left here, most of the people are gone. Our fellow brothers and sisters who sell airtime were all robbed. Most of the shops have been robbed and they are selling these things in the Pinetown CBD,” he said.

The attacks have also been reported in townships around the Pinetown area.

In Molweni, an Ethopian national who owns a spaza shop was also attacked. A South African resident said the attack on the man was perpetrated by criminals.

“They broke into his shop and stole everything, including his personal belongings: a bed, fridge and a stove,” said a resident.

There are reports that a man was shot in Clermont and his car damaged.

Nxumalo said the violence directed at foreign nationals will negate the progress eThekwini has made in positioning Durban as a destination of choice for foreign investors.

“The violence happening in the city also has a negative impact on business in the city, especially the hospitality industry, which employs thousands of people,” said Nxumalo.

Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, said the proactive police deployments are set to continue until such time that the authorities are satisfied that there is no possibility of a resurgence of attacks on foreigners.