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Actors, musos against xenophobia

ENOUGH: Musicians and radio personalities marched against xenophobic attacks in Wattville, Ekurhuleni. Pic. Veli Nhlapo. 19/05/2008. © Sowetan.
ENOUGH: Musicians and radio personalities marched against xenophobic attacks in Wattville, Ekurhuleni. Pic. Veli Nhlapo. 19/05/2008. © Sowetan.

Mfundekelwa Mkhulisi

Mfundekelwa Mkhulisi

Top musicians and actors marched against the spate of xenophobic attacks in Wattville, Ekurhuleni, yesterday.

"We are concerned about the killings," said Yfm's DJ Sbu. "As young leaders we have to take a stand and talk against xenophobic attacks."

DJ Sbu, real name Sibusiso Leope, said the attacks on foreigners were fuelled by criminals who used the situation to advance their activities.

The attacks on foreign nationals, mostly Zimbabweans and Mozambicans, started last week in Alexandra, Johannesburg.

It soon spilled over into other parts of Johannesburg, including Thokoza, Tembisa, Primrose and a large part of Ekurhuleni.

About 22 people have been killed and many others injured in the attacks.

A Palestinian shop owner quickly closed his store and locked himself inside when the marchers approached.

"I thought they were the attackers," he said after the crowd had passed. "We live in fear because you do not know when they will come."

Top Billing presenter Tumisho Masha said: "South Africans are not the kind of people who should stand by and watch criminals behave in this unacceptable manner."

Musician Robbie Malinga said South Africa did not have the death penalty because it was against human rights.

Local ANC Youth League deputy chairman Peter Ndlovu said the killings were wrong because "Africa is for the Africans".

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