Gigaba, king work for peace

Zulu king Goodwill Zwelithini and Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba have smoked the peace pipe and are now working together to fight the xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in KwaZulu-Natal.

The two-week long attacks have resulted in the killing of five people.

More than 2000 people have been displaced in and around Durban.

Zwelithini's spokesman, Prince Thulani Zulu, confirmed yesterday that a high-level government delegation met with the king on Monday evening. He said the meeting was aimed at forming "a united front to quell the surge of xenophobic violence across Durban".

Gigaba, Police Minister Nathi Nhleko, State Security Minister David Mahlobo and premier Senzo Mchunu met Zwelithini at the Beverley Hills Hotel in Umhlanga on Monday night.

Sowetan understands that issues discussed included the assigning of more police officers to the area, police to work with state security as well as the erecting of refugee camps.

"The meeting was to make sure that law and order is returned to the province. This was not about any apology to anyone. There was no mention of any apology," Zulu said.

The attacks on foreign nationals began two weeks ago after a speech by Zwelithini where he called on foreigners to go back to their home countries.

Zwelithini also criticised them for changing the nature of South African society with their amanikiniki (mess) and of enjoying the wealth that should have been for local people. Zwelithini's remarks came in for some stern criticism, with Gigaba firing a salvo at the king by insisting that leaders should watch what they say in public.

Gigaba's spokesman, Mayihlome Tshwete, also confirmed that the meeting was purely about restoring peace in the province and that no personal issues were discussed.

He also rejected claims that Gigaba had apologised for criticising the king.

The violence against foreigners had yesterday spread to the Johannesburg city centre.

khumelaj@sowetan.co.za