Johannesburg- The South African Football Association (SAFA) has condemned in the strongest terms the xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals being perpetrated by what it called criminal elements.

“What is happening in certain parts of the country whereby fellow Africans are being subjected to all sorts of hate and abuse is quite unacceptable.

“This is not what the 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy was all about. When we hosted the 2010 showpiece, it was an African World Cup, to unite the continent, speak and relate as a united family,” said SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan who was the CEO of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“What is happening now in some parts of the country is quite the opposite. It is like undoing all the good work and legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. South Africa is part of this great continent and we should not alienate ourselves with these regrettable and barbaric actions.”

The SAFA President said after years of isolation, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had played a critical role in South Africa being readmitted into the FIFA family.

“CAF and the entire continent were at the forefront of telling the world that apartheid had no place in the sport and that unless it was abolished, South Africa should remain isolated. If it was not for them, it could probably have taken many more years for this country to enjoy the fruits of the abolition of apartheid.

“So instead of embracing our brothers from across the continent as part of us, we are making them feel unwelcome. This is unfortunate and unacceptable. It must stop. Everyone must say no to xenophobia (where fellow Africans are being attacked) because it is some sort of apartheid in reverse. It has no place in modern society,” added the SAFA President.

South African national teams and clubs participate in various competitions on the continent and the SAFA President warned those who promote xenophobia that they risk putting our teams in a very risky position when they play away from home.

“It is like saying to Africa it is us versus you. Such actions only help to isolate us from the rest of the continent. It goes against the spirit of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“We as SAFA are saying these barbaric actions must end; and end now. We fought against apartheid because it segregated society and xenophobia has the same apartheid tendencies.”

Dr Jordaan concluded by saying that during the fight against apartheid, most of our freedom fighters sought refuge across the continent and around the world.

“As a country, we should never forget where we come from. During the days of the struggle, who took us in and accommodated us? Why are we today turning against the very same people who were vital in the fight against apartheid? Our leaders fled to Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Ethiopia and Angola, among other countries and were treated well. We are humans before we are South Africans, and that must be in the forefront of our existence,” concluded Dr Jordaan.

-TDN

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Following a 30- minute statement from President Jacob Zuma to the National Assembly (NA) this afternoon on the violence against foreign nationals in KwaZulu Natal, all parties represented in Parliament made statements condemning the violence and calling for an end to it.

The debate preceded the President’s second session of oral replies to questions for this year.

During the 84 minute debate in the NA Chamber, a small group of students gathered outside the main entrance to Parliament to protest against Afrophobia.

Initial reports indicate that the students did not have permission for their gathering and that stun grenades were thrown into the crowd. There are no reports of anyone being injured.

The Secretary to Parliament will be requesting a full report from the Provincial Commissioner of Police about what occurred and the reasons for any action that may have been taken by the police.

-TDN

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Bokone Bophirima Premier, Supra Mahumapelo, has expressed sadness and shock at the murder and alleged rape of a grade 12 learner that took place in Jouberton, Klerksdorp at the weekend.

Police believe that Kelebogile Noge (18) was murdered on Saturday night.

Her half-naked body was found in an open field in Jourberton in the Matlosana Local Municipality on Sunday morning, April 12.

In condemning the incident, Premier Mahumapelo urged the police to act swiftly and arrest the perpetrator to prevent perpetuation of such barbaric acts.

“On behalf of the government and people of Bokoni Bophirima, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of Kelebogile Noge. I want them to know that we are with them during this difficult time in their lives. We appeal to police to act speedily in arresting the suspect in this case because we cannot allow these inhumane and barbaric acts to happen in our province,” said Premier Mahumapelo.

Mahumapelo also urged members of the community who may have any information pertaining to this heinous crime to approach the nearest police station.

Kelebogile’s funeral is being planned for Saturday April 18 in Vetport near Leeudoringstad.

-TDN

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By Obakeng Maje
A case against a 58 year-old man from Maphoitsile village, in Taung was postponed until 23 May 2015 for judgment.

Joseph Mphatlhololang Pebe briefly appeared before Taung Magistrates Court in connection of assault with intention to cause bodily harm after he beat his wife.

The incident took place in last year October where the wife of the accused, Akanyang Pebe alleged that her husband beat her and hit her against the wall.

Akanyang Pebe(53) who suffers arthritis and make use of walking sticks to walk, said  her husband bought a herbal medicine and drank together.

“On Friday, 24 October 2014, he arrived in the house and asked me where the medicine is. I politely told him that the medicine is finished, but that angered him. He started pushing me around and eventually assaulted me with clenched fists. He grabbed me, and hit me against the wall” Akanyang Pebe told the court.

The prosecutor told the magistrate that Pebe is guilty as charged after exploring all revenues and according to the investigations.

However Pebe’s lawyer dispute the matter as he said the wife of the accused is only the sole witness in this case and the victim went to seek medical attention long after the incident took place.

The matter was postponed for judgment on the 23 May 2015.

Pebe was granted a bail of R300 and he will remain outside until the matter is finalized.

And he was previously at the wrong side of the law, and he was summoned with a protection order from the victim.
-TDN
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