It’s starting to get harder and harder to be proud of our country at the minute. I don’t even want to begin to think what the rest of the world is thinking, or how people who have come to our country seeking a better life are feeling. The level of xenophobic attacks yesterday in Durban have left many gasping in shock at the cruelty of humans on humans.

A few months ago, Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini called for all foreigners to go back to their home countries. Tensions have escalated since then and recent days have seen heightened activity from locals.

Thousands saw the CBD, most notably West Street and Mahatma Gandhi Road, in a new light yesterday as cars were set on fire, tear gas was used and stun grenades set off to disperse thousands of angry people. The xenophobic attacks started last week and have seen five people killed and numerous injured. This includes two foreigners who were petrol bombed whilst sleeping in their shelter.

Two guards from a private security firm were arrested in connection with the shooting of a 14-year old boy. The owner of the company explained the situation:

They were facing a situation where the crowd were throwing stones at them, and some shots were fired. They responded with some warning shots. Four shots were fired in the direction of my guard, and he responded with two shots. It’s believed the boy was shot from one of these two shots.

He went on to say the almost all foreign owned shops had been closed and boarded up to prevent looting from locals.

Jacob Zuma issued a directive “to protect all human life, be they foreign nationals or South Africans who may get involved as casualties” said Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba. The South African government has also “expressed its regret for the attacks” and has informed foreign diplomats from Nigeria, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Malawi “what steps government has taken to protect foreign nationals”.

Well, let’s see if anything changes. I think Goodwill is going to have to say a few calming words to to his followers to calm the situation.

[Source: EWN and News24 HERE and HERE]