Edward Tsumele
Edward Tsumele
South African musicians whose fans extend to the rest of the continent have lashed out at those involved in the xenophobic attacks on foreigners from the African continent.
Speaking to Sowetan, the musicians, including Yvonne "The Princess of Africa" Chaka Chaka, Dan Tshanda and Freddy Gwala, said the attacks, especially since they were aimed at fellow Africans, were mind-boggling and sad.
"This is very sad - a sad episode in our lives, especially since I began travelling the continent and performing in 1986," Chaka Chaka said.
"I have always yearned to see Africa united. Why are the attacks happening now? I am so disappointed and sad to be a South African."
She has donated food to immigrants who have found shelter at police stations and other places of safety.
Tshanda, who has a massive following in Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia, said he was shocked by the xenophobic mayhem.
"African fans have always supported me," Tshanda said. "I don't understand why we drive them out of this country just because of so-called competition for jobs.
"That is not a good enough reason to do what is happening in the country."
Gwala said: "These people are just like us. If any of them has committed a crime they must be arrested like any other criminal. Beating them up is not a solution.
"Besides there are white foreigners in this country and nobody says anything about them. Someone must be laughing at us Africans saying 'look at what they are doing to each other'.
"I think the government has the power and authority to intervene and bring peace among the South Africans and foreigners.
"We fought hard for the peace we now take for granted."
Lena Mochoele, manager of One People, the late reggae Lucky Dube's band, also condemned the rampaging mobs.
"Lucky Dube would rock up in Uganda and 60000 people would turn up," Mochoele said. "We do business in Africa and these vicious acts endanger our lives."
Celebrities and entertainers this week joined a growing number of activists against the attacks.
On Saturday socialite, businesswoman and TV personality Uyanda Mbuli joined the march organised by the Anti-Privatisation Forum in the inner city.
The march snaked through Hillbrow's flatland to the Gauteng legislature.
Among the many celebrities was comedian David Kau who blamed the government for its slow reaction to the violence.
Not proud to be South African - Chaka Chaka
Edward Tsumele
Edward Tsumele
South African musicians whose fans extend to the rest of the continent have lashed out at those involved in the xenophobic attacks on foreigners from the African continent.
Speaking to Sowetan, the musicians, including Yvonne "The Princess of Africa" Chaka Chaka, Dan Tshanda and Freddy Gwala, said the attacks, especially since they were aimed at fellow Africans, were mind-boggling and sad.
"This is very sad - a sad episode in our lives, especially since I began travelling the continent and performing in 1986," Chaka Chaka said.
"I have always yearned to see Africa united. Why are the attacks happening now? I am so disappointed and sad to be a South African."
She has donated food to immigrants who have found shelter at police stations and other places of safety.
Tshanda, who has a massive following in Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia, said he was shocked by the xenophobic mayhem.
"African fans have always supported me," Tshanda said. "I don't understand why we drive them out of this country just because of so-called competition for jobs.
"That is not a good enough reason to do what is happening in the country."
Gwala said: "These people are just like us. If any of them has committed a crime they must be arrested like any other criminal. Beating them up is not a solution.
"Besides there are white foreigners in this country and nobody says anything about them. Someone must be laughing at us Africans saying 'look at what they are doing to each other'.
"I think the government has the power and authority to intervene and bring peace among the South Africans and foreigners.
"We fought hard for the peace we now take for granted."
Lena Mochoele, manager of One People, the late reggae Lucky Dube's band, also condemned the rampaging mobs.
"Lucky Dube would rock up in Uganda and 60000 people would turn up," Mochoele said. "We do business in Africa and these vicious acts endanger our lives."
Celebrities and entertainers this week joined a growing number of activists against the attacks.
On Saturday socialite, businesswoman and TV personality Uyanda Mbuli joined the march organised by the Anti-Privatisation Forum in the inner city.
The march snaked through Hillbrow's flatland to the Gauteng legislature.
Among the many celebrities was comedian David Kau who blamed the government for its slow reaction to the violence.
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