Bulawayo Activists Support ‘King Zwelithini, Chief Instigator Of Xenophobia’ Visit To Zimbabwe

ACTIVISTS in Bulawayo have said they fully support the impending visit by King Goodwill Zwelithini to Zimbabwe even though he was named as the chief instigator of recent Xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

In March, King Zwelithini reportedly made disparaging remarks against foreigners and called for their deportation from South Africa, saying it was unacceptable for locals to compete with foreigners for the few jobs available.

This reportedly sparked a wave of attacks on foreigners leading to the Zimbabwean government repatriating about 1 000 nationals.

King Zwelithini is set to visit Gwanda, Matabeleland South provincial capital, at the end of the month at the invitation of a South African-based Zimbabwean businessman, Justice Maphosa, who is throwing a lavish wedding ceremony for his brother, Justin.

The event will also coincide with the opening of a new Brethren in Christ church building in the mining town, with entertainment provided by an impressive line-up of South African artists such as Rebecca Malope, Deborah Fraser, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Sifiso Ncwane and Lusanda Spiritual Group.

In an interview with NewZimbabwe.com, activists said the visit will provide King Zwelithini with an opportunity to meet and interact with Mthwakazians.

“There is nothing wrong with King Goodwill Zwelithini’s visit to Zimbabwe, especially if he is visiting Matebeleland region. It is unfortunate that there are some people who are trying to link his visit with the recent Xenophbic attacks in South Africa without putting the issues into proper context.

“What made those people leave their country for South Africa in the first place? It had nothing to do with King Goodwill Zwelithini,” said Ibhetshu LikaZulu secretary general, Mbuso Fuzwayo.

Mthwakazi Republic Party president Mqondisi Moyo said King Zwelithini was welcome to visit the country.

“To the people of Mthwakazi, King Zwelithini never committed a crime; all he did was to raise some valid points with regards to foreigners in South Africa. Its like a father who brings his neighbour’s children under his care and his own children start complaining that they are now getting less food than they used to before.

“In any case, we have people in this country who instigated far worse crimes but nothing has been done to them. We have people who committed Gukurahundi atrocities who are still walking freely to this day,” said Moyo.

 

His view was supported by Dumisani Mpofu, who said Zimbabwe has a record of ill-treating foreigners who stayed in this country.

“King Zwelithini owes no one an apology, Zimbabwe chased away Malawi nationals, we denied them citizenship and identity documents but we are still visiting Malawi.

“It is a given fact that African governments are failing and must solve their problems, King Zwelithini’s statements were correct,” said Mpofu.

Remington Sibanda, a PhD student in West London, said: “King Zwelithini’s comments were not government comments but his own personal view. And yet, in our case, the government sanctioned Gukurahundi and expelled Malawians but to my surprise people choose to be angry with an individual than with a whole government.”

“Mugabe is far much worse than Zwelithini. He even hates Kalanga people and has killed Ndebele people and whites.”source-newzimbabwe

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