#SayNoToXenophobia

#SayNoToXenophobia initiated during the latest xenophobic attacks in 2015 in South Africa (SA), which began after Zulu king, Goodwill Zwelithini stated that non South Africans "should pack their bags and go back home".

A lot of celebrities, including the South African DJ Black Coffee and comedian Riaad Moosa added their voices to the hashtag to call an end to xenophobia. This is only to name a few amongst the many celebrities. 

SOCCER Laduma saying No To Xenophobia

DJ Black Coffee showing his support for anti
xenophobia

President Jacob Zuma expressed his shock in the hashtag. He went on further to say that the country is left embarrassed by the attacks and he reminded people that many South Africans found refuge without necessary documentation in foreign countries during apartheid.

To remedy the cause, South African Football Association (SAFA) stated the idea of friendly games being held. South African artists collaborated and called themselves ‘Africa All Start’ to produce a hit single called 'We are the world'.

  

This was not first xenophobic eruption in SA. The one which occurred in 2008 left more than sixty (60) people, mostly foreigners dead. Some of them were injured and a lot were left homeless, with all of their properties destroyed.

South Africa is a country of opportunities, thus, people from neighbouring countries come seeking for better futures. The static economy, strained by the high unemployment rate, aggravates tension between the local people and foreigners.

With the eager of wanting foreigners out, South Africans tend to forget the spirit of 'ubuntu', which refers to humanity to others. Why can’t we just be united as one since we all from Africa? Where is the love? Why allow someone turn you into a monster just because of your dislike for them?

Foreigners being brutally killed.

#ZumaMustFall

Nhlanhla Nene, minister of finance was fired by South African president Jacob Zuma early December 2015, which caused the Rand to drop exponentially. That resulted in the birth of the #ZumaMustFall in social media. On the Day of Reconciliation, 16 December, different cities held marches for people to express their anger and disappointment in the leadership style of the president.  The campaign is simply to remove Jacob Zuma from presidency.

Zuma Must Fall poster

Seeing the dissatisfaction of the country, President Jacob Zuma replaced Desmond Van Rooyen (who replaced Nhlanhla Nene) four days later with veteran finance minister Pravin Gordhan. That did not make the protesters any happier.

  

In Cape Town, unknown person or group spent about R500 000 to make and rent space for a giant banner with the words “Zuma Must Fall” and his face in it. On the following day, ANC supporters ripped it off. If found, the person or group responsible for the banner will be charged with the penalty of a fine or jail time. President Zuma plans to write a book when he retires, where he promises to expose all those who treated him badly.

Protesters of the Zuma Must Fall campaign

As much as the African National Congress (ANC) supported the people’s right to demonstrate, they did not share any views that Zuma should resign.

Don Clarke, who has written hits for Leon Schuster, has collaborated with Thembiso Sithole to compose a Zuma Must Fall song. The song’s video had more than 14 000 views. Mercury spoke to ANC national spokesman Zizi Zodwa and he claimed to have never heard the song. Mercury sent him a text message with the lyrics and the link, but he denied to have received the message and could not comment.