Mamelodi Concerned Residents have arrived for the #Foreignermarch. Aubrey Mdalana says those with any weapons are not with them. pic.twitter.com/djgoZ5w8Et
— Michael Appel (@TheMikeAppel) February 24, 2017
Non-governmental organisation Section 27 on Friday condemned Friday’s “shameful xenophobic march” by the Mamelodi Concerned Residents grouping in Pretoria.
Local residents mobilized and circulated a warning to residents of Pretoria (sunnyside) of the beginning of a protest that would lead to the end of foreign nationals in the country. Previous to this was an outbreak of violent and destructive attack in Pretoria west with 4 buildings looted and 2 burnt.
#Foreignermarch #Xenophobia pic.twitter.com/qiQoSb4apg
— DiTiro Selepe (@tiro_1632) February 24, 2017
Foreign nationals speak #Foreignermarch #Xenophobia pic.twitter.com/tewekCbSEh
— DiTiro Selepe (@tiro_1632) February 24, 2017
Somali nationals are always the victim of most of these attacks as their shops are looted and goods stolen. One of the somalian shoop owners commented ” these people are given the chance to rob us, they do not want the Nigerians, they cannot fight them, so they come and break things and steal, then they call it protest”.
One of the foreigner's community leader says they will defend themselves to the last. #Foreignermarch pic.twitter.com/awThoAmpJD
— Lindokuhle Xulu (@LindokuhlXulu1) February 24, 2017
A stand off between the locals and the foreigners as the helicopter gets close to the ground. #Foreignermarch pic.twitter.com/vlm4UqBCtV
— Lindokuhle Xulu (@LindokuhlXulu1) February 24, 2017
A stand off between the locals and the foreigners as the helicopter gets close to the ground. #Foreignermarch pic.twitter.com/vlm4UqBCtV
— Lindokuhle Xulu (@LindokuhlXulu1) February 24, 2017
Just during the protest and turmoil, a local dealer was apprehended
Merchandise confiscated from a dealer on the streets, in Pretoria #Xenophobia #TshwaneUnrest pic.twitter.com/45Zynluk3r
— Boikhutso (@ThatDudeBeeKay) February 24, 2017
The South African Jewish Board of Deputies said it deplores the targeting of people solely on the basis of their country of origin‚ “and especially the lawless vigilante violence that has so often been the result. Such behaviour is a betrayal of the bedrock humanitarian and democratic values on which our society is based”.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura has called on all political leaders to do whatever they can to stop the attacks against foreign nationals.
“Let us unite in calling for calm, let us urge our people not to resort to vigilantism. We cannot afford to see the killing of foreign nationals. Let us all stand up and say not in our name,” he said while addressing the provincial legislature on Friday.
The Premier has condemned the acts of violence and intimidation against foreign nationals in Johannesburg and Tshwane.
He said there was no place in the country’s democracy for individuals who violate the right to life.
The Premier further urged all South Africans to change attitudes towards people from other parts of Africa and to fight against xenophobia wherever and whenever it manifests itself.
“Our diversity makes up the beautiful colours of the rainbow. Societal prejudices need to be tackled and we should not criminalise a nationality or criminalise the entire group but we should deal with the criminals.
“Those who are attacking foreign nationals may do it to you tomorrow. Stand up and be counted. You are your brother’s keeper. The perpetrators of attacks against foreign nationals do not belong in our society. They must be prosecuted. We must defeat xenophobia like apartheid.”
Premier Makhura said Gauteng can take a lead in building a society that reaffirms the common humanity and common national identity.
Gauteng has established social cohesion champions to work with organisations and communities to build a common understanding and enable a favourable environment for peaceful co-existence.
Their specific mandate includes facilitating open and frank conversations on racism and xenophobia among various sectors of the population in Gauteng, and recommending a provincial plan of action to combat racism and xenophobia.
