IN light of the recent xenophobic attacks, three John Wesley pupils have expressed their condemnation of such acts, which they claim have changed the image of South Africa.
The opinionated Grade 6 pupils – Zamantungwa Selai, Andiswa Khumalo and Olwethu Mtambo – believe that, although the country celebrated 21 years of democracy on Monday, the true meaning of equality and freedom is not practised in SA.
Describing the xenophobic attacks which made headlines over the past month, the pupils said, “We are not proud to be called South Africans. The behaviour of those involved in the xenophobic attacks was childish. When we first found out about the attacks we thought it would pass, but it lasted for a while. We have friends at our school who are foreign nationals and we were concerned about their safety.”
The children, who were educated about xenophobia when the incidents first broke out, added, “We feel the government could have done more to protect our brothers and sisters. We have the same blood running through our bodies. The colour of someone’s skin should not matter. God loves us no matter what colour we are. If Nelson Mandela was alive, this would not be happening. This sort of action damages everything Madiba created and he is probably turning in his grave.”
Zamantungwa, who plans on becoming a lawyer, Andiswa a doctor and Olwethu a gynaecologist, said that as the future leaders of this country they are questioning if they will be able to build a successful future in SA.
Principal of the Pinetown-based school, Darron Tarr, said that when the first incident of xenophobia was reported they immediately addressed the issue with the pupils. They clarified their stance against xenophobia and did not dismiss the matter. “It is important for our society to understand that there is a broad condemnation of xenophobia, and it is even more vital to know that children condemn such behaviour. These children are aware of the situation and they know xenophobia is a reality and they see it for what it truly is. They are looking for a future that is not characterised by negativity and incidents like xenophobia,” said Tarr.
