Daily Sun (April 21 2015) - ZULU King Goodwill Zwelithini has declared war on anti-foreigner attacks.
“Killings must stop,” he said yesterday.
“I URGE ALL ZULUS TO PROTECT ALL FOREIGN NATIONALS IN SOUTH
AFRICA!”
The king was addressing about 5 000 people at his imbizo at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium.
He called on leaders to mobilise people to protect foreigners from attack by locals.
Although some observers had expected the king to apologise, he did not. Instead of withdrawing the speech on which the attacks have been blamed, he challenged the Human Rights Commission to investigate the media.
“Things that are said about me are not true,” he said.
“My speech was urging the police to fight against crime. My speech was misinterpreted,” said the king.
“I will organise meetings with ambassadors of the countries affected by the violence. What is happening shows we have not learned from our mistakes.”
Amakhosi, izinduna and amabutho were also at the imbizo called by the king to bring back calm after attacks on foreigners.
IFP leader Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi was cheered when he began to speak.
“Violence against foreigners is shameful. As amakhosi and leaders, we have a responsibility to stop violence, regardless of what caused it. Our message must be unanimous,” said Buthelezi.
But as soon as Buthelezi said foreigners were welcome in the country, the crowd heckled him and shouted, “No, no, no”.
Police were out in force to keep order.
About 200 amabutho marched into the stadium before the speeches and became unruly. They chanted that foreigners should leave the country.
The situation became tense during speeches as the amabutho gestured for foreigners to go.
They sang songs, including Mabahambe abahambayo sosala sisebenza, iPhoyinti elethu (Those who want to leave must leave; we will stay behind and work here. Point Road belongs to us).
The crowd interrupted the prayer of Hindu priest Ashwin Trikamjee. They whistled and booed him off the stage.
The crowd wasn’t as big as expected. The imbizo was initially planned for Curries Fountain Stadium, but then Moses Mabhida was chosen to cater for the expected crowd.
VIPs included Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba, KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu, Intelligence Minister David Mahlobo, KZN economic development MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu and EThekwini mayor James Nxumalo.
)At least seven people have been killed since attacks on foreigners began three weeks ago.
See the Daily Sun’s new website for more on this and other stories....
The Daily Sun is South Africa's largest daily newspaper with an average circulation of 274 165 (Audit Bureau of Circulations 2nd Quarter 2014) and a readership of 5.7m (as per AMPS 2012ab). Its Facebook page can be accessed here. It can be followed on Twitter here. To find about advertising on the Daily Sun click here.
Issued through the Politicsweb iService
