South Africa violence

[Fluoxetine]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/7411414.stm

There is widespread violence in South Africa. 23 dead and homes set alight.

Worse still my cousin is living there. I do hope she and her family are alright.

[TygerTyger]

If they have a problem with 'foreign' Africans in their country what are they going to do when they host the World Cup?

I hope your relatives are safe, nobody should be treated this way.

[Fluoxetine]

For the first time I am really concerned about her. I sent her an email to her Cotlands address (a christian charity for children with HIV/AIDS) but normally I would get a reply in a day or two. So also sent one to my cousin in Carlisle.

Hopefully it is nothing. But I am worried.

[Fluoxetine]

Got a reply form my cousin in SA. She has said in the email what has happened and what is being done.


I love my family!!!! This is the second message - bless you and Senga[My late cousins daughter who's name is Agnes backwards :D Fluox] both for panicking!!

There are a number of xenophobic attacks in the townships around JHB. What's happened is, with the situation in Zimbabwe especially, many many thousands have moved into JHB - being the closest really big city to Zim, and really being the hub of South African industry. Obviously with not too much money, the Zimbabweans and the Congolese move into the townships, which are already filled with Zulus, Ndebele, Vendas etc. Now, the South African tribes start thinking that the Zim's are stealing their jobs, their homes etc, and unrest sets in. So they start fighting, and eventually, for their own safety, the authorities take the foreigners to places of safety - much like if people are displaced due to a hurricane or earthquake. According to tonight's headlines, things are settling down a bit, but Thabo Mbeki has said that the army can now go in and help to keep the peace. I heard on our radio news this morning, while driving, that Western Cape (the area round Cape Town, where I live) have an absolutely zero tolerance to xenophobia, and a whole series of systems have been put in place.

So don't worry, I'm not in any imminent danger, and I'm also married to a South African. Not being funny, but white foreigners are fine for the time being. It's all generally among the African tribes. The townships are not fun to be in for the time being, but one generally is very careful there anyway, and avoids if possible. I really don't ever go to townships (shanty towns).

Hope you're all well - all doing fine here!

Take care, will catch up with you soon.

[Xander67]

well at least you know she is safe, this is good news.

[synopa]

IT's a desperate tragedy what is happening there. I have a few Zimbabwean friends. I think it is primarily Zimbabwean refugees who are on the recieving end of this treatment. Its a sad day for SA

[Fluoxetine]

well at least you know she is safe, this is good news.

True. Her bible study group is praying not only for peace, but also for the ends to the Xenophobic hatred that is going on. I know it is worrying and I would be scared if I was in that country even if it was on the other side of the domain.


IT's a desperate tragedy what is happening there. I have a few Zimbabwean friends. I think it is primarily Zimbabwean refugees who are on the recieving end of this treatment. Its a sad day for SA

I agree. Nothing more than fear and jealousy to bring about resentment upon another human. Lets hope it stops soon before the entire structure breaks down.

[Rowan Darkmoon]

Thank you for the information. My aunt is spending the summer in South Africa on a Fulbright grant, and while she'll probably be okay, I'll pass the info. on to her so that she's aware.

I'm glad that your cousin is okay. :)