South Africa Xenophobia: Locals fear political leaders behind latest outburst
South Africa is caught in the midst of another wave of xenophobic violence, as tensions between citizens and foreigners escalate dangerously.

In a country with almost 40% unemployment, and a recent history of pervasive enmity between South Africans and the country's many immigrant communities, it does not take much for violence to be sparked.

Most people agree that the latest wave was caused by inflammatory statements from some influential leaders.

On 25 March the Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini said: "We request those who come from outside to please go back to their countries."

Similar sentiments were expressed by President Jacob Zuma's son, Edward, who was this week quoted as saying that South Africa is "unnecessarily accommodating illegal immigrants in this country".
Rising tide of violence

In late March, mobs attacked over 250 Congolese immigrants in Isipingo, a town 25km south of Durban. Violent attacks continued, and by early April approximately 400 refugees were sheltering in tents near the town. Following the deaths of two Mozambicans, attacks spread to other areas closer to Durban's city centre.

Angered by the rising tide of violence against them, foreigners twice attempted to stage peaceful protests in Durban but were denied permission and forcefully dispersed by police who shot at them with rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon.
As foreign-owned shops were looted and petrol bombed, violence spread to other areas, including Durban city centre. By this stage, over 1,000 people had been driven from their homes.

In an attempt to get the situation under control, President Jacob Zuma and his government intervened, creating a high-level ministerial team and increasing police deployment in affected areas.

For now, this appears to have calmed the situation in Durban, where a large peace march is planned for later today (16 April).

However, tensions are now spreading to areas of Johannesburg, South Africa's economic capital and home to its largest concentration of foreigners.

Maybe Mark Zuckerberg could fly over there and launch a television campaign explaining the moral justification for allowing open borders and unfettered immigration..

Then they could all sing "Cumbaya"

Does Zuckerberg work for Obama? Or is he just stealing his philosophy with the 'let everyone in to vote for me & my friends'... ?
* Sarcasm & Rhetorical*