[DEBATE] : (Fwd) Xenophobia reparations demand

[Patrick Bond]

Xenophobia victims want SA to pay up

June 08, 2008 Edition 2

MAPUTO: Thousands of people marched through Mozambique's capital, 
Maputo, yesterday to urge that their government demand South Africa pay 
compensation to Mozambican victims of a recent spate of xenophobic attacks.

At least 62 people were killed and hundreds injured in the 
anti-immigrant violence that swept through poor communities across South 
Africa last month.

At least 23 Mozambicans were among the victims, most of whom were Africans.

Human rights activist Alice Mabota, who was among the approximately 1 
000 demonstrators, said, "Mozambique's government must activate 
mechanisms with the South African authorities to have our compatriots 
rapidly compensated and the authors of the heinous acts brought to justice."

Carrying banners with slogans such as "xenophobia is selfishness" and 
"down with intolerance and hatred", the demonstrators assembled in 
Maputo's Independence Square.

Protesters pointed out that Mozambicans, who fled the violence in their 
thousands - many returning home with the help of their government - had 
been staunch allies of South Africans during apartheid. - Sapa-dpa