Despite threats of possible xenophobic attacks in other parts of the country, the people of Musina have fully embraced foreign nationals by showing them love and affection.

This became evident when local businesspeople joined hands with the Musina Municipality to cook and distribute food at the Dutch Reformed Church shelter, where hundreds of foreign nationals are housed. During the visit, the local businesspeople, led by Mr Jayson Rana, also donated 2 000 loaves of bread to the foreign nationals.

Musina was hailed as a successful case study during the 2008 xenophobic attack outbreak, because no single incident was reported, although there is a massive number of different nationalities staying there.

When addressing hundreds of foreign nationals at the centre, the majority of whom are from Zimbabwe, Mayor Caroline Mahasela said xenophobia was unacceptable to African culture and should never be tolerated. She encouraged all community members to join hands against this evil practice.

“Our government as a whole, our political leaders and partners, our religious leaders, the leaders of our civic movements, and all progressive community leaders, and indeed the majority of South Africans, must join hands in condemning in the strongest terms acts of xenophobia and the abuse of human rights.”

She said the constitution gave everyone the right to be protected. “These attacks represent a dangerous tendency that is foreign to South African history and consciousness. It is important for everyone to reject the hate and violence behind the attacks. We are happy that here at Musina, we love the foreign nationals and treat them as our own brothers and sisters. That is why we have decided to put everything aside to come and cook for them.”

Businessman Jayson Rana said his fraternity had felt that it was important to support the call against xenophobia and hatred toward foreigners. “We are all one people and we should learn to love each other, despite our different origins. Together with the Musina Municipality, we will continue to strengthen unity among our people and assist in all community building initiatives.”

Freedom Moyo (18), who stays in the shelter but originally comes from Zimbabwe, said he was overwhelmed with joy because of the good treatment he received from the people of Musina. “Musina is my second home and the people here are caring. We would like to pass our gratitude to the business fraternity, the Musina Municipality and all stakeholders who support us on a daily basis.”