Superstar Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi has castigated the xenophobic violence that has spread across South Africa claiming at least seven lives.
Several thousands of foreign nationals, Zimbabweans among them have been displaced from their homes to find shelter at camps set up across South Africa in fear for their lives.
In a media release, Tuku said the violent attacks are similar to those that Africa went through at the hands of former white oppressors a few decades ago.
“Over the last few days I have watched with horror on the news as xenophobic violence broke out in South Africa.
“African turns on African as we forget the long journey we have travelled together against similar injustice and persecution from others who sought to subjugate us perpetually,” he said.
“It is unthinkable that in this day and age, when Africa stands on the cusp of the long awaited realization of its greatness, that we can do this sort of thing to one another.”
Tuku urged South Africans to stand up against xenophobia.
“My heart and prayers go out to the people who have been affected, whatever country they are from.
The borders we see today were drawn for us by others. I am urging all South Africans to stand up and say no to the hate of other Africans, no to violence and no murder,” he said.
The famous musician also called for leaders to speak out against the violence.
“In the same breath I am calling the leaders of Africa to speak out strongly against this madness.
We have always stood together as Africa, from the pre-independence days of our nations when we supported freedom fighters in their cause to more recently when we came together to fight Ebola,” he added.
“Xenophobia is a scourge that we must get rid of once and for all. It must not be given a chance to manifest ever again. In this light it is not enough to just condemn it; we need to map out a long term plan as a continent to make sure that what we are seeing in South Africa today never happens again – anywhere in Africa.”
Different countries are repatriating their nationals, with Zimbabwe having brought back 400 people.
