CONGOLESE nationals living in South Africa have apologised to President Jacob Zuma, King Goodwill Zwelithini and the country's citizens for a protest march by their compatriots two weeks ago.
About 300 Congolese nationals marched to Parliament to demand that Zuma denounce the re-election of President Joseph Kabila in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the opening of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature last week, Zulu monarch Goodwill Zwelithini lambasted the protesters.
"I understand that South Africa is a democratic country and welcomes people from different countries who have run away from their countries for differentreasons.
"As a result, South Africa is home to many Africans, but I must express my disappointment at the behaviour of these people.
"Their marching to Parliament was disappointing. They come to South Africa as immigrants but once they are here, they make themselves freedom fighters, who in turn tarnish the good image of South Africa," Zwelithini said.
Yesterday, a group of Congolese nationals living in Durban said the apology was on behalf of most of their compatriots in South Africa.
The group's spokesman, Moleka Mosisi, said they "apologise unreservedly" to Zuma and Zwelithini.
He said Congolese nationals in South Africa were aware of many people who were unhappy with the election results. However it did not warrant demands to Zuma.
"The right to make these types of calls in a dignified way is acknowledged. While making these calls in South Africa, reports suggest that some of our compatriots conducted themselves in an unbecoming manner towards President Zuma.
"This has propelled King Zwelithini to denounce the behavior of those who were involved in DRC election-related demonstrations."
Congolese say they are sorry
CONGOLESE nationals living in South Africa have apologised to President Jacob Zuma, King Goodwill Zwelithini and the country's citizens for a protest march by their compatriots two weeks ago.
About 300 Congolese nationals marched to Parliament to demand that Zuma denounce the re-election of President Joseph Kabila in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the opening of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature last week, Zulu monarch Goodwill Zwelithini lambasted the protesters.
"I understand that South Africa is a democratic country and welcomes people from different countries who have run away from their countries for differentreasons.
"As a result, South Africa is home to many Africans, but I must express my disappointment at the behaviour of these people.
"Their marching to Parliament was disappointing. They come to South Africa as immigrants but once they are here, they make themselves freedom fighters, who in turn tarnish the good image of South Africa," Zwelithini said.
Yesterday, a group of Congolese nationals living in Durban said the apology was on behalf of most of their compatriots in South Africa.
The group's spokesman, Moleka Mosisi, said they "apologise unreservedly" to Zuma and Zwelithini.
He said Congolese nationals in South Africa were aware of many people who were unhappy with the election results. However it did not warrant demands to Zuma.
"The right to make these types of calls in a dignified way is acknowledged. While making these calls in South Africa, reports suggest that some of our compatriots conducted themselves in an unbecoming manner towards President Zuma.
"This has propelled King Zwelithini to denounce the behavior of those who were involved in DRC election-related demonstrations."
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