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
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