Xenophobia : We Won't Apologise, Foreigners Are Not Welcome - South African King Replies

King Goodwill Zwelithini stands by his view that
foreigners should go back to their home countries.
KING Goodwill Zwelithini meant each and every word
when he said foreigners must pack their bags and get
out of South Africa.
So said Zwelithini’s spokesman, Prince Thulani Zulu,
who told Daily Sun yesterday the king has nothing to be
sorry for.
The Zulu king’s outburst came on Saturday during his
speech at a moral regeneration event in Pongola,
northern KZN.
In the presence of both Police Minister Nathi Nhleko and
provincial MEC Willies Mchunu, the king was reported to
have told the gathering that it was time foreigners were
told to return to their countries.
The king accused them of messing up the country’s
towns by hanging their fake clothing brands on the
streets.
“Now when you walk down the street you can’t
recognise a shop you used to know because it has been
taken over by foreigners who mess it up by hanging up
rags,” the king said.
His remarks were widely condemned as encouraging
hatred towards foreigners, which may result in more
violent behaviour towards them.
But Prince Thulani said the king won’t apologise
because he stood by what he said.
“I think the people who’re complaining are
misinterpreting his speech.
“He didn’t say foreigners must be attacked or harassed.
“The king was talking about foreigners who are here
illegally.
“Some are involved in serious crimes like drug and
human trafficking.
“We don’t need such people in our country so the king is
right,” said Zulu.
The king’s speech has been strongly criticised for
fuelling hatred against foreigners by the Somali
Association of South Africa and the Congolese Solidarity
Campaign.
The provincial government distanced itself from the
king’s speech. It said it was guided by the Constitution,
which guarantees human rights for all in SA.