Capetonians from different backgrounds on Wednesday joined the chorus of international condemnation against xenophobia during a march to Parliament.

Over 20 civil society organisations, including the provincial ANC leadership called for an end to the violence against foreign nationals during a march, an issue that has been placed on the national agenda.

Among the activists were foreign nationals from surrounding African countries, who joined in and provided a voice for those victims of horrific xenophobic attacks in parts of the country.

Heading the march, PASSOP’s Braam Hanekom handed the memorandum over to a representative from Parliament, calling on all spheres of government to address the situation urgently.

Deputy Rural Affairs Minister Mcebisi Skwatsha reminded South Africans of the hospitality other African countries extended to many South African anti-apartheid activist, including the late Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, during the time of oppression in the country.

“We are reminding our people [South Africans] that when it was tough, Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela and many others got their military training in Africa, for the sole purpose of liberating this country. We must remind our people of the suffering of our African brothers in their countries because they provided us with shelter in our time of need.

“We as the ANC, urge everybody to show the world and the rest of Africa that these violent attacks are not who we are. South Africans are targeting their own black brothers. They do not do this to foreign nationals of other colours. This proves that we need to educate our community,” Skwatsha told supporters outside of Parliament.

Representatives from different groups of foreign nationals were seen marching with their respective country’s flags, proudly showcasing the diversity South Africa is universally known for.

Showing their appreciation and respect to their fellow African brothers and sisters, soldiers from Umkhonto we sizwe thanked foreign nationals for their help during the uprising against Apartheid. A soldier, Fumanikile Booi said it was the responsibilities of soldiers to go out to the youth and tell them they should be fighting together against xenophobia. “Hands off our African brothers. One Africa, one united people,” Booi chanted.

Meanwhile, Hanekom read out the memorandum to supporters, rejecting violence against foreign migrants.

“People of SA call upon Parliament to represent these views. We believe that now is the time for all South Africans to stand united. We call on Parliament to unite for peace in our communities. We want decisive leadership from government at this time. We must put aside whatever differences we may have and show ourselves to be mature during this instability. We apologise on behalf of all South Africans for the violence that has been metered out on our brothers and sisters from other countries. Let us work tirelessly to restore faith in South Africa. We call upon Parliament to sign an anti-Xenophobia pledge,” Hanekom read.

Groups who have signed the memorandum handed over to Parliament include the MJC, United Nations Human Rights Commission, PASSOP and COSAS amongst others.

ANC Western Cape leader, Marius Fransman called on South Africans to join in on an awareness campaign which includes a united human chain in Cape Town on Friday. VOC (Ra’eesah Isaacs)