Zimbabweans in South Africa urged to be vigilant
in [Physics]
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From: as on 18 Jul 2010 07:31 Zimbabweans in South Africa urged to be vigilant By Tichaona Sibanda 9 July 2010 Zimbabweans living in South Africa have been advised not to expose themselves unnecessarily, in the face of renewed threats of violence against foreigners. Scores of foreigners, among them many Zimbabweans, have started packing for their home countries amid threats from locals that they would be attacked after the Soccer World Cup ends on Sunday. In 2008, 62 people were killed and 150 000 displaced in a wave of xenophobic attacks that started in Gauteng. The Global Zimbabwe Forum that represents institutions and organisations in South Africa has been issuing advice to Zimbabweans on how to handle themselves in the coming months. Luke Zunga, spokesman for the Forum said people should not just move �blindly�, especially in areas notorious for xenophobic attacks. �The problem with us (Zimbabweans) is that when we are in buses or trains we speak at the top of our voices in Shona. As a precaution people should desist from exposing themselves. They should practice self containment,� Zunga said. The South African government has moved fast to reiterate that any attacks on foreigners will not be tolerated. The authorities issued a stern warning on Thursday that law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to act speedily and decisively against anyone found to incite or participate in violent acts against foreign nationals. �I doubt if there is going to be full scale xenophobic attacks like the ones we witnessed two years ago. The South African government is seriously working on the matter. We have every hope they will contain the situation just like they�ve done to contain criminal activities during the World Cup,� Zunga added. He said another outbreak of unrest could seriously harm investor confidence and could have repercussions for the South African economy. About three million Zimbabweans are settled in South Africa and this huge influx has led to competition for jobs, housing and resources. 16 years after apartheid ended, millions of poor blacks are yet to receive housing, water and electricity. This has led to violent countrywide protests in shack settlements and poor townships, where residents are furious at the government's inability to deliver basic services.
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