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| Firemen on the scene after Xenophobia attacks in Johannesburg, So. Africa. |
Xenophobia? It is MURDER - plain and simple! - Yusuf Estes in Johannesburg, So. Africa
My wife and I have just returned back from Johannesburg, South Africa, where we have been sharing the message of Islam and clearing up the misconceptions. But that was a little hard to do right now here in the home of the lions, tigers, zebras and elephants - and XENOPHOBIA!
South Africa has always been a place to witness many of the amazing things Allah has created, like the "two seas that never mix" (mentioned in Quran) at Capetown and of course the strange and exotic animals, birds, reptiles and plant life.
Diamonds, gold and other valueable resources have also been a huge attraction for this land located at the tip of the African continent - and did you know, South Africa is scheduled to hold the World Cup (soccer) in 2010?
But there is something else that has the attention of the rest of the world right now here at the tip of Africa - you must have heard about it by now - the word called "xenophobia"?
We are witnessing, first hand something beyond belief - a most horrible situation for the people of South Africa and a disgrace for humans everywhere. Many people have died with hundreds injured and thousands displaced after a week of violent attacks on foreign nationals.
I am really homesick this trip. Not just because I miss my family, but because I miss the safety and security of being in a place where there is protection against mob violence.
Here is what we know first hand - the condition of the people here right now. It is really horrible. The fighting and killing in the streets is unbelievable and it appears the governments are at a lost to do anything (or do they really care?). You might know about the current events going on here in South Africa and even be aware of the plans to host the World Cup here in 2010. I just thought you might like to know what the Muslims and non-Muslims are saying about what is taking place - they have some very mixed emotions here.
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Mozambican refugees on their arrival at Ressano Garcia border, 120 km from the capital Maputo, Mozambique, 21 May 2008.
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A refugee making 'wudu' (washing for prayers) at the Primrose police station refugee camp after being evicted during recent xenophobia attacks in Ramaphosa squatter camp east of Joburg (Johannesburg, So. Africa)
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People are being attacked simply because they are from other countries or other races. The locals are even attacking people who have been here for four or five generations. The issue is supposedly over concerns of people taking their jobs. But if you saw what is really going on, you would laugh (if it weren't so sad).
The native people of this area are most likely the laziest people on earth and they have not proper employment, nor are they fit for anything above parking lot attendants or street sweepers. This is not due to lack of opportunity, it is due to lack of interest in anything other than laying around. I realize this might sound a bit harsh for someone who has not been an eye witness to the happenings here. However, I assure you this is the case.
For years the streets loaded with loafers and beggars, looters, con-men (and women), prostitutes and robbers. They have a name for a very common crime here - "smash and grab" - imagine sitting in your car at a traffic light (they call them "robots" - why? I don't know) and someone comes right up to your car, smashes your window, grabs whatever you might have on the seat or dash board, grabs your cell phone out of your hand and they are away before you can even shout for help. This has been going on since the end of the "apartheid."
They don't work - they lay around all day doing nothing. They are hustlers and hookers - drinkers and drug addicts. Here is a question - What " jobs" are these people worried about loosing?
Several of the people I know here in Johannesburg and from Durban have been attacked in this month and in some cases very close calls with death. One uncle was murdered in cold blood last week. They are attacking businesses that have been established by the immigrant Somalis for instance, who have worked hard to provide service for the local people for many years. Muslims from India are also under siege.
I doubt my wife and I have much to worry about as long as we don't go into the areas where the targeted people are living. Being white is not the problem - being from other countries as refugees is the main focus it appears. We have had security on many of our programs and even volunteer police escorts (from the Muslims who are in the police reserves here). It is a bit unnerving when you consider the outbreaks can come at anytime. Our programs are continuing however, and on schedule - but for how long? It is serious and we pray to Allah to bring peace and reconciliation to these people before it gets any worse. We intend to do a youth program in about 3 hours from now, and two more programs later in the day. Tomorrow we have three programs and then on Monday we pack up to leave to return back on Tuesday.
We have to ask the question: "Where is Mr. Bush with his troops and S.W.A.T. teams now?" And I would like to ask, "Why isn't the world media really making it clear who is behind this and what it is all about?"
The World Cup is scheduled to take place in 2010 here in South Africa in the major cities: here in Joburg (the local name for Johannesburg); Durban and Capetown - and other places as well. This is the first time the tournament will be staged on the African continent. South Africa controversially and narrowly lost out in the vote to hold the 2006 World Cup but ran out comfortable winners in the bid for 2010 over its African rivals in the FIFA vote in 2004.
Here is a list of events of 10 stadiums in 9 host cities for the 2010 World Cup has been decided.
Bloemfontein - capital of Free State Province, located in central South Africa. The present modern rugby / soccer stadium, situated in a pleasant area close to the city center, is being further upgraded.
Cape Town - capital of Western Cape Province, and the legislative capital of South Africa. One of the world's most beautiful cities set at the foot of Table Mountain on the ocean.
Durban - largest city in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa's major port. A surfing and holiday center on the north east coast.
Groundwork has started on the new stadium which is also expected to host a semi final and hold 68,000 spectators.
The stadium is close to a beach holiday area and within 5 kms of the CBD, so there will be a variety of accommodation options available.
Johannesburg - capital of Gauteng Province and South Africa's largest city and major business and gold mining center.
Nelspruit - capital of Mpumalanga Province and a major agricultural center. Gateway to Kruger National Park. Construction work has commenced on the new stadium. Accommodation in the city or in any of the extensive "camps" in the park.
Polokwane - capital of Limpopo Province, 1300m above sea level. Small city 3 hours north of Pretoria and also close to wild life parks. New stadium to be built.
Port Elizabeth - located in Eastern Cape Province on the east coast, a major port. Work has already started on the new stadium, which is close to the city center and the ocean.
Proposed venue for the 2009 Confederations Cup.
Rustenburg - small, provincial city located North West Province in northern South Africa, close to the Rustenburg Nature Reserve.
New stadium, work expected to start shortly.
Pretoria - located in Gauteng Province, close to Johannesburg and the executive capital of South Africa. Utilising present modern 65,000 capacity rugby stadium - Loftus Versfield.
Second round matches will take place in: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, Rustenberg, Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein
Quarter final matches in: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban
Semi final matches in: Cape Town, Durban
Third place play off: Pretoria
Final (and opening game) - Soccer City, Johannesburg
So, here is a question posed by a number of concerned business people here in South Africa - "Is this being staged and manipulated by some corporation, trying to gain control over the World Cup events? Could this be related to some bid to take the World Cup away from South Africa? How about "security" that will now be a major consideration for the World Cup events? Who is going to be making the millions (billions?) out of this "staged rampage"? What is going on behind the scenes? Who is putting these people up to this?"
Naturally, the Muslims are concerned about being attacked and murdered and loosing business here, but at the same time they see the handwriting on the wall - it won't be long until some big corporation (or foreign government) is brought in to "help ease the tension and establish temporary means for peaceful solutions" - a fear that may be well founded considering the many other events occurring in other third world countries around the world.
For me, I just want to tell the people, "There is no god, but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger" - and pray these people will come to their senses before it is too late, ameen.
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