We have all seen the evil coming from South Africa since the violent xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals. Turns out that way before the attack, back in March, Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini was recorded saying that foreigners must pack up and leave the country.
In the presence of both Police Minister Nathi Nhleko and provincial MEC Willies Mchunu, the king was reported to have told a gathering that it was time foreigners were told to return to their countries. The king accused them of messing up the country’s towns by hanging their fake clothing brands on the streets.
“Now when you walk down the street you can’t recognise a shop you used to know because it has been taken over by foreigners who mess it up by hanging up rags,” the king said.
Press play to listen to what he said above.
Many believe this is what has fuelled the xenophobic attacks across South Africa. This audio is in Zulu, with English subtitles.
His remarks were widely condemned as encouraging hatred towards foreigners, which may result in more violent behaviour towards them.
When the king was later confronted and asked to apologise, Zwelithini’s spokesman, Prince Thulani Zulu, said the king has nothing to be sorry for. That King Goodwill Zwelithini meant each and every word when he said foreigners must pack their bags and get out of South Africa.
Prince Thulani said:
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“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.”
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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 his people to stop the violence which his words started…
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Posted: at 18-04-2015 08:32 AM (9 years ago) | Addicted Hero
sweetestdude at 18-04-2015 09:51 AM (9 years ago) (m)
For foreigners to pack n leave SA should b don peacefully not violently. Wat d pple of SA r doin is evil n barbaric n de should realize dat thr own citizens r living in oda countries too.
Posted: at 18-04-2015 09:51 AM (9 years ago) | Upcoming
Our 'lameduck' President is not in a position to say anything. We have 'soon to be unemployed' Obanikoro talking trash as usual. The Nigerian's in South Africa should defend themselves. If the manage to kill as many of these thugs as possible with matchetes, these will get the attention it deserves. Anyway, we have a lot of South Africans and their investments in Nigeria also. It's time we let them know that we can get rid of them overnight. Once we start our 'South Africans must go', it will take us 24 hours to kick them out.
Posted: at 18-04-2015 11:15 AM (9 years ago) | Upcoming
Amibomatc at 18-04-2015 02:40 PM (9 years ago) (m)
Fellow Nigerians. Do not be offended, your incoming president iniciated this shameful act during his dictatorship rule, when he sent Ghanians packing over night. Therefore you should not be offended over this one.
Posted: at 18-04-2015 02:40 PM (9 years ago) | Upcoming
That comment was highly inciting to violence against South Africans of foreign origin, even if it was targeted at illegal migrants as the Kings supporters claim.
It is the role of the legislators to make laws to check illegal migration, not the monarchy. Foreign-owned businesses can be made to pay more on import tariffs, for example to make local businesses more competitive and not encouraging hooliganism and lawlessness.
Posted: at 19-04-2015 03:44 AM (9 years ago) | Gistmaniac