Pretoria – Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini has asked the people of KwaZulu-Natal to protect foreign nationals, irrespective of which town or city they come from.
Addressing thousands of people gathered at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Monday for an imbizo, the King said the recent attacks on foreign nationals were wrong and breaking the law was unacceptable.
He called on the crowds to protect foreign nationals living in the country.
“Today I called you to wage a war … The war that I am waging is for us to protect every foreigner in this country, regardless of which country they come from,” the Zulu King said.
The imbizo was organised by the royal household and provincial government in support of government’s efforts to curb the violence on foreign nationals
It also comes after last week’s Peace March, which was organised by the province and civil society.
Several people have died and 114 people have been arrested since the attacks started in the province two weeks ago.
King Zwelithini said he had directed izinduna and amakhosi to be his eyes and ears and find out what was happening in the province and to protect all those living in communities.
He also called on Premier’s Office to arrange a meeting with ambassadors of African countries affected by the attacks, so that a peace charter could be formed.
He further called on all structures, including government structures, to sit down and discuss a way forward. Representatives of foreign nationals should be represented at the discussions.
The King said he has written two letters to the South African Human Rights Commission calling them to conduct a transparent investigation on the comments he made on foreign nationals during a meeting held in Pongolo last month.
KZN Premier, Senzo Mchunu called on the province’s resident to stay calm. He said it was important to sit down and use democratic processes to raise concerns, rather than destroying property and killing people.
He commended the Zulu King for calling the imbizo and other stakeholders including, amongst others, religious groups, community based organisations, as well as political leadership for intervening in ensuring that peace is restored.
IFP President Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi said chasing away other nations would not solve problems.
eThekwini Mayor James Nxumalo, Transport, Community Safety & Liaison MEC Willies Mchunu, Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini, Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba were among those who attended the imbizo. – SAnews.gov.za
