The people’s march against xenophobia was an emergency coalition convened to confront the spate of xenophobia in South Africa, take a stand to denounce the violence and embrace unity.
The coalition included the African Diaspora Forum, Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa, faith-based organisations, social movements such as Treatment Action Campaign, Equal Education and Awethu.
This also included trade unions South African Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union, South African Foootbal Players Union, Food and Allied Workers Union, South African State and Allied Workers Union, Communication Workers Union, Public and Allied Workers Union of South Africa and National Union of Metal Workers Union of South Africa. Other organisation such as Section 27, Corruption Watch and Doctors without Borders also joined the march.
Brian Muziringa from Zimbabwe, who is the spokesperson for the forced migrants joined the march. He said he had not been affected by the attacks but decided to attend the march in solidarity with fellow Africans.
“I am also present here to express my gratitude to South Africans who tolerate our presence in their country. People who do not just generalise. People who understand why we are here. And others need to understand that not all of us are here for economic reasons or holidays, but some of us here are here because we were intimidated, tortured and forced out of our countries because of political reasons,” Muziringa said.
He also had a message for the victims of xenophobia, encouraging them to forgive and try to integrate with the local communities.
“We need to learn from each other and share our skills and diverse cultural values,” he said. Paul Nkamankeng from Cameroon said they really appreciated that South Africans showed that it was only a minority who attacked foreigners and said not all South African were xenophobic.
“This is a good sign that South Africans agree that they cannot let xenophobia happen. It’s good for the whole of Africa.”
The marchers converged at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown where leaders including expelled Cosatu secretary general Zwellinzima Vavi, Premier David Makhura, Arch Bishop Thabo Makgoba and Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein addressed the marchers. Makhura also announced that his office will establish a unit to deal with migrants’ issues.
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