Bright, colourful flags were waved and posters, placards, and banners were held high outside Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网’s main admin building on Friday 24 April as university students, academics, high school pupils, and members of the community gathered to take part in a march against xenophobia. Similarly another large group of community members marched from Fingo Village Field, as the whole community joined together in Church Square where crowds were addressed on the issue of challenging xenophobic attitudes.
The march aimed to bring Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 students and community members together in a public show of protest against the recent acts of xenophobic violence taking place around the country over the past few weeks. Rector of the College of the Transfiguration, Reverend Dr Vicentia Kgabe opened the address, emphasising the importance of a community being supportive and inclusive, and delivered a message of solidarity on behalf of the Muslim community in Grahamstown who could not attend the event.
Next to address was Mayor Zamuxolo Peterwho thanked the crowd and the community, saying that it’s wonderful to see a community as diverse as Grahamstown’s be able to come together in solidarity against the injustices imposed on others. “We are here to show that we, Makana, live and work as one community. We must join voices with the country and with the nation and state that we will never support or advocate abuse or harm to people from other countries” he said.
The sheer size of the crowd, the various posters and international flags, and passionate cries of “Amandla!” caught the attention of several passers-by who joined in to listen and show their support. There was also a public invite for local government representatives to join the stand against xenophobia.
Representatives from political parties such as Sancoand United Frontalso spoke to the crowd, highlighting issues such as unemployment, education, and economic disparity and explained that we need to care for all citizens living in South Africa, whether they are locals or foreign nationals. Rhodes 老虎机游戏_pt老虎机-平台*官网 Vie-Chancellor, Dr Mabizela then took his turn to speak, declaring that everyone deserves to be treated with love and respect, regardless of where they are from. He also stated that we must continue to fight against instances of abuse and discrimination, including issues of racism, sexism, patriarchy, chauvinism and more. “We must realise that our humanity can only reach its fullness if we affirm and advance the humanity of others” said Mabizela, eliciting resounding cheers and applause from the crowd.
A moment of silence was also taken for the victims and families of those directly and indirectly affected by instances of xenophobic violence over the past few weeks. Dr Kgabe concluded the event by thanking the community and urging them to continue the fight against xenophobia in South Africa in whichever small way they can.
Article by Dave Mann