SA united against xenophobia in Durban

Durban – Blacks, whites, coloureds, Indians, and foreigners gathered in Durban yesterday morning in solidarity against deadly xenophobic violence that broke out in KwaZulu-Natal and has since spread to Johannesburg.

Gospel and struggle songs reverberated around the Curries Fountain stadium ahead of a planned “peace march” through the city centre. Thousands of people were expected to take part.

Ryan Matthews, from Durban’s Glenridge Church, was there with his friend Goodenough Mpanza.

“My greatest concern is that we don’t understand our common enemy,” Matthews said. “It’s not our colour, our nationalities. Our common enemy is what’s in our hearts. Our common enemy is greed and pride and entitlement. We’ve come to show support because we believe in our nation and we completely support what Tata Mandela said when he said ‘we are one’,” he said.

Nick Farrell, 17, a pupil at Clifton College, said: “We’re here to represent our student body. We stand against xenophobia. We feel it’s wrong in any country, no matter where in the world.”

Members of the International Peace Youth Group had painted peace signs and hearts on their faces to show support for victims of xenophobia.

Indrani Naidoo, of the international office at the Durban University of Technology, had hung a sign around her neck reading “I am my brother’s keeper”.

Bongezwa Mhlaluka had travelled to Durban from Johannesburg on a “peace bus” to show solidarity against xenophobia. “Every life is important. Stop xenophobia,” she said. – Sapa.

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