Zuma tries to assure displaced foreigners

President Jacob Zuma accompanied by State Security Minister David Mahlobo and Home Affairs Minister Melusi Gigaba visited the temporary shelters for displaced foreign nationals at Chatsworth, Durban, 18/04/2015, Elmond Jiyane, GCIS

President Jacob Zuma accompanied by State Security Minister David Mahlobo and Home Affairs Minister Melusi Gigaba visited the temporary shelters for displaced foreign nationals at Chatsworth, Durban, 18/04/2015, Elmond Jiyane, GCIS

Published Apr 18, 2015

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Durban - “We just want to go home”, that was the overwhelming response from foreign nationals to President Jacob Zuma's visit to a refugee camp in Chatsworth, just south of Durban.

The camp was set up to house displaced foreigners affected by xenophobic violence.

Zuma was accompanied by State Security Minister David Mahlobo, Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba and several leaders from provincial government.

Shortly before Zuma's arrival at the camp, foreigners became agitated when KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo called for them to chant Zuma's name.

Their response was a chorus of boos.

“Why should we chant his name. His king and his son want us to go home. Nothing he says can help us now. We just want to go home,” said Maxwell Obune, a Malawian national.

The crowd of around 2 000 people continued to chant “Go home” and started producing placards some of which read : “We want to go to our country” and “ We better go home, Thank you King and Zuma's son”.

Tempers were beginning to rise and it was up to presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj, who identified a leader in the group and appealed to him to calm the crowds.

The crowds responded by quietening down.

EThekwini Municipality Mayor James Nxumalo addressed the crowds first but he was bombarded with calls for him to “Speak in English”

When Zuma did start his address, the crowds listened intently but did not agree with everything the president had to say.

Zuma made his way up some makeshift steps constructed from wooden pallets into the back of a bakkie from where he made his speech.

“I have come here to assess the situation following what happened to you. My ministers have told me what the situation is like here. I want to reassure you that not all South Africans want you to leave the country,” said Zuma.

He said that government would stop the violent attacks on foreign nationals but this statement was met with “ Its too late” from the crowd.

Zuma said that government would assist foreign nationals who wished to return to their countries but said he wanted to assure them that they did not have to leave and that government would stabilise the situation.

A foreigner who did not wish to be named said that there was little that Zuma could do or say to quell the hatred for foreigners from locals. “ They want to kill us. We are better of back home. We don't want to stay here. They will not listen to Zuma. His speeches can’t save our lives,” she said.

Before ending his address, Zuma praised the efforts of NGO's and volunteers at the camp before announcing a R50 000 towards the up keep of the camps in Chatsworth and Phoenix.

Soon after Zuma departed, scenes at the camp normalised and Home Affairs officials continued to work into the night arranging documentation for foreigners to leave the country.

Earlier in the day, around 30 busses had arrived at the camp. It is believed that foreigners would be transported home on them.

Attention now turns to a anti-xenophobia Imbizo to be hosted by King Goodwill Zwelithini on Monday at Curries Fountain Sports Field. It will be the king’s first public address since his highly controversial statements on foreigners last month.

ANA

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