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The recent xenophobic attacks that have gripped South Africa have shamed the country, and sent shockwaves far beyond our borders. The attacks present a picture of South Africans to the world that suggests we are barbaric, violent and murderous.
Representatives from social justice networks, trade unions, NGOs and the corporate sector have met to agree upon an appropriate response to these events, and to show solidarity with foreign nationals targeted in the violence and who remain at risk.
On Thursday, 23 April 2015, over 30 000 people are expected to march in Johannesburg in a spirit of unity to show the world that there is another South Africa, which welcomes migrants regardless of economic status or race and appreciates their contribution to our society. This South Africa is non-discriminatory, compassionate, welcoming, respectful of diversity and committed to the advancement of human rights and social justice.
The People’s March Against Xenophobia invites the media to a press conference where key leaders from the coalition of faith-based organisations, trade unions, NGOs and corporate South Africa will speak out against xenophobia alongside people directly affected by the violence. They will rally support for unity among principled South Africans standing in solidarity with the mainly poor foreign nationals, migrants and refugees of colour under siege.
Speakers will include :
- Migrants, refugees, women and young people affected by the violence
- Zwelinzima Vavi
- Pregs Govender, deputy chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission (invited)
- Prof Adam Habib, vice chancellor of the University of the Witswatersrand
- Bishop Paul Verryn
Press Conference details:
When: Monday 20 April 2015
Time: 14h00
Where: SECTION27, 5th floor, Braamfontein Centre, 23 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein
For more information please contact:
- Marc Gbaffou, African Diaspora Forum – 083 514 7367 |e: marcgbaffou@gmail.com
- Ngqabutho Mpofu, SECTION27 – 061 807 6443 |e: mpofu@section27.org.za
- Moira Campbell, Corruption Watch – 083 995 4711 | moirac@corrptionwatch.org.za
- Borrie la Grange, Doctors Without Borders/MSF Southern Africa – 083 287 5294 | borrie.lagrange@msf.org
About the People’s March Against Xenophobia
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People's March Against Xenophobia is an emergency coalition convened to confront the horrors of xenophobia in South Africa, taking a stand to denounce the violence and embrace unity. We endorse the message that no-one is ‘illegal’ and call on all people living in South Africa to unite against unemployment, inadequate housing, rising crime and bad schools, instead of turning against people seeking refuge in the country for political and economic reasons. The coalition includes the African Diaspora Forum (ADF), CoRMSA, faith-based organisations, major social movements such as the Treatment Action Campaign, Equal Education, and Awethu!, trade unions such as FAWU, NUMSA, SACCAWU, SAFPU, SASAWU, CWU, PAWUSA, as well as the organisations; SECTION27, Corruption Watch and Doctors Without Borders. |
Be part of the conversation on Twitter:
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#StopXenophobia #StandInSolidarity #PeoplesMarchX |
#NotInMyName #Xenophobi |
