Zulu King Godwill Zwelithi's utterances on March 23rd
launched the Zenophobic attacks in South Africa and he had
refused to apologize, even after finding out that his people
have maimed, killed and destroyed businesses belonging to
black foreigners. He's still insisting that foreigners should go
back to their countries but tried to save face by saying
attacking the foreigners is not how to chase them away. He
wants the government to do it legally.
During a speech last month, Zwelithini called for the
deportation of foreign nationals living in the country, saying it
was unacceptable locals were being made to compete with
people from other countries for the few economic
opportunities they had available. King Zwelithi said "foreigners
must pack their bags and go home".
His three major complaints and why he wanted foreigners to
go were; 1. SA traders in the townships said they could not
compete with the prices that foreign-owned businesses were
selling their products. 2; foreigners involved in crime. 3. Lack
of respect shown by foreigners to locals.
Addressing Pongolo community members during a moral
regeneration event, Zwelithini accused government of failing to
protect locals from the “influx of foreign nationals”. He said;
“Most government leaders do not want to speak out on
this matter because they are scared of losing votes.
As the king of the Zulu nation, I cannot tolerate a
situation where we are being led by leaders with no
views whatsoever.
“We are requesting those who come from outside to
please go back to their countries. The fact that there
were countries that played a role in the country’s
struggle for liberation should not be used as an excuse
to create a situation where foreigners are allowed to
inconvenience locals. I know you were in their
countries during the struggle for liberation. But the fact
of the matter is you did not set up businesses in their
countries."
His comments were widely condemned with the SA DA
describing it “highly irresponsible' 'Particularly given the
recent spate of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, he should
do the right thing – retract and apologise,”
He didn't and his spokesman went on record to say the King
had nothing to apologize for, that he meant every word he
said.
“I think the people who’re complaining are
misinterpreting his speech. He didn’t say foreigners
must be attacked or harassed. The king was talking
about foreigners who are here illegally. Some are
involved in serious crimes like drug and human
trafficking. We don’t need such people in our country
so the king is right.” His spokesman said
After the killing spread across different cities, the king has
relented a little and is planning to speak to his people this
Monday in an effort to quell the attacks. He's expected to
address the public directly and clarify his statement and ask
his people to stop the violence which his words started...
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