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23 May 2008

Okay, the whole world now knows what lies in store for the settlers in South Africa.

Xenophobia, that's the term they use. So-called foreigners are being driven out of their houses and their livelihoods because they take away jobs and sleep with local women. That's the short version and one we hear constantly on the news.

I reported some time ago on this phenomenon and government turned a blind eye, thinking that by ignoring these acts it will go away. Isolated incidents they said. Once again they've been proven wrong. It is now out of control and the world eagerly awaits the final score.

Obviously government does not want to show the world how serious this is and refuse to get the army actively involved. Last tally was about 30 dead and thousands homeless. The border posts are jam packed with foreigners trying to get home. Their hope at a better future shattered and escaping with their lifes.

Of course we have those who think (especially in the white community) that it's about time. Teach Mbeki a lesson. The man who not so long ago said that we should get used to the thousands of Zimbabweans crossing the border to South Africa. With no proper plan in place to handle these illegals they were permitted to integrate with the locals, find jobs and start businesses. And these were only those who officially applied for asylum.

But it didn't stop with the Mozambicans, Zimbabweans, Somalis, Nigerians etc., it spread to local ethnic groups who dared moving out of their areas (whichever that might be). It's been reported that Zulus (originally from Natal) attacked other groups in Johannesburg where they themselves can't stake any claim.

And it's exactly this that worries me. As a white South African we hear on a regular basis that Africa belong to the black. The whites (all whites) are settlers and have no claim to this country. SABC2 on their breakfast show some 2 days ago interviewed two black gents who outright rejected the claim that the white female co-presenter belonged and was African like all of us claim we are.

Ministers "reject" and "deplore" these violent actions, Mbeki called on calm and tolerance, reminding the blacks of the gracious actions by our neighbours during their terrorist reign against the then white government. Nobody is listening. Jacob Zuma called on the people to stop and think. Still no-one listens. Seems that the militant group that got Zuma the ANC presidency has a mind of it's own.

The "people" have lost their time and respect for the ANC government. They're fed-up with poor service delivery. They want what Mandela promised in 1994. As put by one woman on todays news "In 1994 Mandela promised us free water, free electricity, free everything"; what more can one say?

Is it our turn next?

 

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