OPINION: Labeling South Africa violence as xenophobia misses the pointīut it was Oatway’s photos of the violent attack on Sithole that have seemingly encapsulated the true horror of the situation – and South Africa’s leaders have begun to take notice. The United Nations said the attacks actually began in March after a labor dispute between citizens and foreign workers. ![]() “This war I am calling for today is to protect everyone of foreign origin in this country irrespective of which country they are from.” Shortly after his reported comments, violence against immigrants erupted in the port city of Durban.īut on Monday, Zwelithini said he had not called for a war on immigrants. Local media alleged that the attacks were a consequence of Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini reportedly saying at a recent gathering that foreigners “should pack their bags and go” because they are taking jobs from citizens. Seven people have been killed in the latest round of xenophobic violence against poorer immigrants, many from South Africa’s neighbors. It’s a shame that South Africa continues to confront. Oatway’s series of images of the ordeal landed on the front page of South Africa’s Sunday Times under the headline, “Kill thy neighbor: Alex attack brings home SA’s shame.” “He had a kind of a dazed, shocked look in his face.” “I still remember him looking straight into my eyes,” said Oatway. Oatway and his fellow journalist Beauregard Tromp quickly put the injured man in the back of the car and rushed him to a hospital, where he later died. The attackers finally did move on and leave Sithole alone. “I did think that maybe they would leave him alone.” ![]() “When the attack started I was 20 meters (65 feet) away, but at one point I was 4 or 5 meters away,” he said. Oatway says he tried to get as close as possible, conscious that the attackers were aware of his presence.
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