This archive report was first published on 5 September 2019.
South African Musicians Cancel Zimbabwe Shows Amid Xenophobic Attacks ¶
Published on September 5, 2019
South African musicians Mafikizolo and Lindokuhle Magedezi, known as Mlindo the Vocalist, have cancelled their shows in Zimbabwe due to ongoing xenophobic attacks in Johannesburg.
According to reports, Zimbabweans are among foreign nationals being targeted by South Africans in attacks that have lasted for several days.
Mlindo, who had a show scheduled for Bulawayo, expressed his concerns on Twitter, saying, "I'm supposed to travel to Zimbabwe this weekend, but I fear for my life since I'm South African."
He also tweeted, "My country is doing so much harm to our brothers and sisters I have no choice but to wonder what lies in another African country as an African."
Meanwhile, Mafikizolo, a South African singing duo of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza, recorded a video message announcing that they were no longer travelling to Zimbabwe because they were concerned about their personal security.
Nciza said, "We would like to let our brothers and sisters know that as Mafikizolo we condemn the killings that have been taking place - the killings of innocent people, the killings of our innocent brothers from the African continent."
The duo also urged their government to punish the perpetrators of these horrific crimes.
There is a large population of Zimbabwean immigrants living in South Africa, with some estimates putting it at three million, and at least 250,000 undocumented immigrants have been issued with residence permits by that country.
Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo tweeted, "The people of Zimbabwe condemn the acts of violence witnessed in South Africa," and urged its citizens in South Africa to be vigilant.
"Before borders, we were one, we must remain as one my dear brothers and sisters," he added.
