Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini condemned attacks on foreign nationals as he tried to deflect criticism that his comments last month fuelled violence that left at least seven people dead.
Immigrants must be protected, irrespective of their nationalities, Zwelithini told thousands of members of South Africa’s biggest ethnic group at a stadium in the eastern port city of Durban.
Authorities must investigate the possibility of a “third force,” which is instigating the violence under the guise of Zulus, he said.
The monarch got a lot of stick after he was cited by the Durban-based Mercury newspaper on March 23 as saying in a speech that foreigners were depriving South Africans of economic opportunities and should return home. While the king’s office said his comments were misinterpreted, Johannesburg-based ENCA has broadcast an audio recording, which it said was Zwelithini speaking in Zulu, calling on immigrants to “take their bags and go back to where they come from.”
“There are many vile things being written in the news about me and the Zulu people,” Zwelithini, who was this time dressed in a formal business suit and tie, told his supporters on Monday. “I ask you to calm down and have peace as many people have died and I ask you to avoid the trap being set.”
Attacks against immigrants that began in Durban and surrounding townships less than two weeks ago spread to Johannesburg last week. A Mozambican man’s murder in Alexandra township in Johannesburg on April 18 was captured by photographs on the front page of the Sunday Times yesterday.
In January, at least six people died during attacks and looting of shops owned by mainly Somalis, Ethiopians and Pakistanis in townships around Johannesburg.
“Whether it be in rural or urban areas I ask all to adhere to the rule of law and show that we know how to behave,” Zwelithini said. “We are a nation that loves peace. I ask for peace to reign, dear Zulu people.”
He called for representatives of foreign nationals and the government to meet with the monarch to draw up a peace accord over the next three months.
