South Africans march against anti-migrant violence

By Hassan Isilow

PRETORIA, South Africa

Hundreds of South Africans and migrants marched in Pretoria on Thursday demanding an end to attacks on foreigners.

Carrying placards with messages such as “Love trumps hate”, “No to xenophobia” and “Unite against crime, poverty and xenophobia” around 300 protesters gathered in the capital.

Recent attacks have seen the homes of migrants burned down and their shops looted amid accusations of involvement in crime and taking locals’ jobs.

‘‘Since the year began, the response of government to the clear and obvious threat of xenophobia was virtually non-existent,” organizer Themba Ncalo, of the Coalition of Civics Against Xenophobia, told Anadolu Agency.

He called for an investigation of Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba over alleged anti-migrant statements said to have incited violence.

“We are here to show solidarity with foreign nationals and call for an end to these ruthless attacks,” Pretoria resident Jane Palesa said.

She rebuffed claims of foreigners taking jobs. “It’s our government which has failed to grow the economy and create jobs for us,” she said.