South African President Jacob Zuma on Sunday called on churches to lead the nation in praying for peace and friendship following xenophobia violence sweeping parts of the country. 
“The majority of South Africans believe in peace, unity and friendship and have nothing to do with the sporadic incidents of violence that have taken place,” Zuma said in a statement.
“We humbly request our religious leaders nationwide to send out a message of peace and friendship to all our people.”
South Africans have lived in peace with foreign nationals for years and the majority of South African people believe in human rights and peace and that they respect the dignity of all who live in the country, said Zuma.
“They know that where there are concerns and differences, these should be resolved the South African way, through dialogue, and not through violence and intimidation.”
Zuma pledged to work with all peace loving South Africans and foreign nationals to promote peaceful coexistence, solidarity and friendship.
Zuma on Saturday cancelled his visit to Indonesia in order to lead the nation in promoting peace, unity and togetherness among South Africans and foreign nationals.
The president on Saturday visited displaced foreign nationals in Chatsworth and Umlazi in Durban, where the latest spate of xenophobia violence first erupted in late March and then spread to Johannesburg.
Seven people have been killed and thousands of foreigners displace in the worst xenophobia violence since 2008.
Police have so far rounded up 307 people suspected of involvement in acts of violence.
Zuma has appointed Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba, State Security Minister David Mahlobo and Police Minister Nathi Nhleko to spearhead the government’s response to the attacks.
Zuma himself will travel across the country next week to preach anti-xenophobia messages in hopes to bring an end to attacks against foreign nationals.
Also on Sunday, tension was running high in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg after the Sunday Times newspaper publicized horrific photographs showing a Mozambican national stabbed to death in full view of the public.
More police have been deployed to Alexandra in anticipation of possible violence. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
