King Goodwill Zwelethini

SIMBA RUSHWAYA
JOHANNESBURG – King Mthimkhuku III of the amaHlubi nation says the government must grant amnesty to all Africans living in South Africa  saying that all xenophobic attacks were not neccessary as the country
belongs to every African.

King Mthimkhuku III of the amaHlubi

Speaking at the African Diaspors Forum (ADF) press conference in Yeoville , the king of the amaNdlubi kingdom adds that he was establishing an  association of mornachs in Africa called Association of Mornachs and  Traditional Authourities of Africa(AMTA) that will spearhead unity and  development in the continent.

“We have to think about our history and our background. We have to ask  ourselves whether we are going to hand over the land and heritage that we  are rproud of to the next generations.
“We are Africans, we are Africa. Africa is our beginning and our ending. We want to reclaim our identity that has been eroded by colonialism. We have to remind ourselves that this continent belongs to all of us and indeed South Africa.
“Ubuntu recognises the existence of everyone. We are distressed by the continious attacks of our African brothers and sisters by fellow brothers in South Africa. South Africa could not have attained her independence if  fellow African countries had not opened their hands to welcome us (South Africans)
“We should build this unity together. It is the only way are going to preserve our continent and our heritage. We are going to work in  consultation with the ADF to tirelessly to bring Africans together.

“I will personally bring the issue of my fellow Africans to the government  of South Africa. I will ask the government to provide all Africans in the  country amnesty. Our organisations will make sure all Africans get legal  papers to stay in South Africa. All Africans must get work permits and work freely in the country,” says Mthimukhulu the 3rd.

King Mthimkhulu’s sentiments are a completely different from that of his fellow king Zwelithini, who sparked xenophobic attacks when he said  “foreigners were stealing jobs from locals.”

ADF president Marc Gbbaffou, welcomeS the king’s initiative saying his  sentiments were a relief to foreigners who are being treated as “second class citizens in South Africa.”

“It is very sad to learn that most migrants in this country are doing  menial jobs, despite being well equipped to help the South African economy in a meangful way. i was very disturbed when I learnt that an African
medical doctor was operating as a car cleaner because he can’t get a work permit to practice. Imagine if that doctor is taken into the mainstream health system in the country. Will he not help fight the diseases that
afflict our continent and indeed South Africa?
“We are appealing to the south African government to recognise Africans in the country so that they become part of their system economically and  socially. There is a reason why these brothers and sisters are in this
country,” says gbbaffou.

Zimbabwe Exiles Forum president and human rights lawyer Gabriel Shumba,  says its high time SOUTH Africa admits the existence of foreigners in  their communities.

“It is a pity that as brothers and sisters we are treated to xenophobic attacks. We just want to live side by side in harmony. King Mthimukulu  must be hailed for taking such a bold stance. That way our sociaety will
be prosperous,” says Shumba.

–Guardian