News / Africa
EU condemns xenophobia attacks, says no to boycotts
21 Apr 2015 at 11:08hrs | Views
European Union Ambassador Philippe Van Damme has condemned the Xenophobic attacks of foreign nationals that has so far seen the displacement of more than a 1,000 people displaced from their homes.
Following reports of anti-immigrant attacks in Durban that have affected some many foreigners, Zimbabweans in the country were making calls for the boycotting of South Africa artists who are/were expected to perform in Bulawayo and Harare.
In an interview with Radio Dialogue, Philippe Van Damme condemned the acts and called for more Dialogue and communication to solve the issue.
"Unfortunately you also have in it Europe as well but you have to combat it buy any way possible .It is very often an excuse for internal weaknesses and it's a way of diverting attention from the real problems and is totally unacceptable .
"There are no easy solutions except for honesty, policy making, communication and showing how irrational and unjustified xenophobia is.
We have to expose those engaged in Xenophobia be it implicitly or explicitly. We have to fight against it buy all democratic means.
Questioned on the calls for boycotting the South Africa artists' shows, the ambassador stated that boycotting the shows would not solve anything but feed xenophobia.
"Boycotting people is actually a strange way of fighting Xenophobia, we do it by being open and bringing together of people.
"It would be a bit paradoxical by keeping people out because you are feeding Xenophobia by doing that. What you have to do is bring people together from all nations and regions. We need more empathy than hostility."
In Bulawayo, House Music outfit, Big Nuz, are expected to performing at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre on April 17 while on the following week Cassper Nyovest is billed to perform at Hartsfield Rugby Ground and Pop outfit Beatenberg In Harare at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA).
According to media reports Artists in Bulawayo are planning to have peaceful demonstrations at Joshua Mqabuko Airport where Big Nuzz is expected to arrive while Artist in Harare have planned to stage demonstrations at the South African Embassy in Harare.
Following reports of anti-immigrant attacks in Durban that have affected some many foreigners, Zimbabweans in the country were making calls for the boycotting of South Africa artists who are/were expected to perform in Bulawayo and Harare.
In an interview with Radio Dialogue, Philippe Van Damme condemned the acts and called for more Dialogue and communication to solve the issue.
"Unfortunately you also have in it Europe as well but you have to combat it buy any way possible .It is very often an excuse for internal weaknesses and it's a way of diverting attention from the real problems and is totally unacceptable .
"There are no easy solutions except for honesty, policy making, communication and showing how irrational and unjustified xenophobia is.
Questioned on the calls for boycotting the South Africa artists' shows, the ambassador stated that boycotting the shows would not solve anything but feed xenophobia.
"Boycotting people is actually a strange way of fighting Xenophobia, we do it by being open and bringing together of people.
"It would be a bit paradoxical by keeping people out because you are feeding Xenophobia by doing that. What you have to do is bring people together from all nations and regions. We need more empathy than hostility."
In Bulawayo, House Music outfit, Big Nuz, are expected to performing at the Bulawayo Amphitheatre on April 17 while on the following week Cassper Nyovest is billed to perform at Hartsfield Rugby Ground and Pop outfit Beatenberg In Harare at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA).
According to media reports Artists in Bulawayo are planning to have peaceful demonstrations at Joshua Mqabuko Airport where Big Nuzz is expected to arrive while Artist in Harare have planned to stage demonstrations at the South African Embassy in Harare.
Source - Mandlenkosi Chinula
