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Reverend Mthabisi Ndebele preaches to congregants during a No-to-xenophobia prayer session at the Anglican Church in Bulawayo central business district yesterday

Whinsley Masara Chronicle Reporter
PRAYERS were held in Bulawayo yesterday in remembrance of victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa and for peace to prevail in that country and Zimbabwe.The Zimbabwe Council of Churches, residents and non-governmental organisations that include Abameli Human Rights Lawyers, Sexual Rights Centre, Ukuthula Trust, took part in the prayer service that was held at St Johns Cathedral Baptist-Anglican Church Diocese in the city.

Father Mthabisi Ndebele of the Anglican Church led the service. The Anglican pastor said they were praying for peace and stability in both South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Father Ndebele said they have been praying as a church for stability and peace to prevail in South Africa and in our country, since the beginning of the xenophobic attacks.

A Bulawayo resident, Nicholas Ndlovu, was among those who attended the prayer session.

He said he had grandchildren living and working in South Africa whom he phones every day to find out if they are safe.

“Times like this are also there in the Bible. Our people are just like Israelites who moved to Egypt,” Ndlovu said.

Tineyi Mukwewa of Abameli Human Rights Lawyers said the South African government has an international obligation to protect everyone in the neighbouring country.

He said there is urgent need for Sadc to come up with the necessary protocols that promote free movement of citizens in the region.

“We intend to send a clear message to Sadc heads of states that there is need for urgent intervention by Sadc in the form of the necessary protocols that promote free movement of citizens of Sadc in Southern Africa, like the European Union has done,” said Mukwewa.

He said they were preparing a statement that would be presented at the Sadc summit in Harare next week.

He said the lawyers would assist repatriated families to find justice. Mukwewa said those who need to go back to South Africa will also be assisted.