Pretoria declares war on xenophobia

24/04/2015. Minister of Arts and Calture Nathi Mthethwa, Tshwane mayor Khosientso Ramokgopa with other dignitories as well as some celebraties leading an Anti-Xenophobia campaign from Pretoria City Hall to the Union Buildings. Picture: Oupa Mokoena

24/04/2015. Minister of Arts and Calture Nathi Mthethwa, Tshwane mayor Khosientso Ramokgopa with other dignitories as well as some celebraties leading an Anti-Xenophobia campaign from Pretoria City Hall to the Union Buildings. Picture: Oupa Mokoena

Published Apr 25, 2015

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Tshwane -

Pretoria residents rose up and declared war against xenophobia and violent attacks on foreign nationals in one of the city’s biggest marches in post-apartheid South Africa.

An estimated 20 000 people thronged through the streets from the City Hall to the Union Buildings to demonstrate solidarity with “fellow human beings” who were foreigners in the country.

With Struggle songs blaring from a minibus leading the march, surrounded by roaring motorbikes, the mood in the city centre was electrifying.

One of the bikers was flying the South African and Mozambican flags to add to the many of other countries held aloft by the marchers.

Offices workers and flat dwellers abandoned their afternoon activities and watched, while others waved and applauded from windows and balconies. There were those who did not want to miss out on the opportunity to condemn xenophobia and joined the march.

Motorists in adjacent streets hooted in support, and cellphones flashed along the roads as onlookers took photos of the colourful crowd.

When the marchers arrived at the Union Buildings, traditional healers burned impepho(incense) to honour the ancestors. A commitment was made to back all efforts to root out xenophobia.

The march was organised by the ANC greater Tshwane region and led by the regional leaders, mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa, Mapiti Matsena and Paul Mojapelo.

They were joined by Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa, Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, renowned Professor Pitika Ntuli, academics, celebrities and representatives of various African countries.

It happened a day after the Tshwane Metro Council adopted a declaration to help the fight against xenophobia at its monthly meeting.

The marchers braved the long walk along Visagie, Lillian Ngoyi and Madiba streets to Stanza Bopape Street, ending at the Union Buildings.

Members of ANC leagues and partners SACP, Cosatu, South African National Civic Organisation, South African Students Congress, and various civic organisations were also present. The march was endorsed and supported by community members, civil society and faith-based organisations.

The crowd had gathered at the City Hall earlier in the day where various cultural activities and speeches condemning attacks on foreign nationals had been organised.

Mthethwa said the people of the capital were sending a message to the world that the xenophobic violence of the past few weeks did not represent who South Africans truly were.

He said the might used to fight apartheid and colonialism should be used in the fight against xenophobia. “We are Africans and known for ubuntu. Those who feel our brothers and sisters from other parts of the continent are enemies must be reminded that the enemy is poverty, unemployment and inequality,” Mthethwa said.

“We are our brothers’ keepers, not fighters… As we celebrate Freedom Day on Monday and prepare for Africa Month (May), we must declare that no one will kill in our name.”

Unisa academic and public commentator Dr Somadoda Fikeni urged those present to tell their families, community members and colleagues to never lose the spirit of ubuntu.

“The entire world is watching. It does not matter what your frustrations are; do not lose the ubuntu spirit for which you are known,” he stated.

Ramokgopa urged communities to show South Africa, Africa and the world that the perpetrators of violence against foreign nationals did not do so “in our name”.

The same message was printed on the banner held by the leaders during the march.

Makgoba, also condemned xenophobia, saying South Africa belonged to all. He said no one should be denied the right to be in the republic, or discriminated against because of the language they spoke and their origin.

ANC regional spokesman Teboho Joala said they were grateful to the masses who supported the march and showed solidarity, love and support for brothers and sisters from other African countries.

Pretoria News Weekend

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