On 29th May Councillors were requested to stand and sing the African Union Anthem at the monthly Council meeting. Fortunately a recording of the Anthem played as it was obvious from checking the chamber that few Cllrs and officials could sing and less knew that the African Union had an Anthem. We then stood for a minute of silence for those who were harmed during the xenophobic violence.
Ironically media reports regarding President Zuma’s reaction to xenophobia has been educational. That Nigeria withdrew a diplomatic envoy inspired hilarity in many parts of our society as Nigerians are globally famed for drug trafficking and criminality. That the Nigerian state does very little to stop its citizens from global crime is an insult to ordinary South Africans. Ask any white, black or brown, rich or poor Capetonian what they think of Nigerians and they immediately mention drugs and crime.
President Zuma is correct when he says that African nations must take charge of their citizens instead of blaming others. That Africans are drowning in an attempt to access Europe and face xenophobia elsewhere is not okay. However the nations of origin cannot continue breeding humans for migration.
African leaders like Mugabe etc who destroy their nation in pursued of socialistic ego-maniacal concepts that have historically failed, must be held liable. Africa must be rescued from those who talk about progress but deliver chaos, corruption unemployment and loss of hope for ordinary Africans.
In the words of the wise, some politicians promise to build a bridge even where there is no river or ravine. At least two thirds of human misery develops from stupidity, malice and those great instigators and justifiers of malice and stupidity, idealism and preaching zeal on behalf of political idiots.
Cllr Yagyah Adams
Cape Muslim Congress