MUSIC superstar and legend Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi has called on African leaders to speak out against the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Entertainment Reporter
In a statement, Mtukudzi said over the last few days he had watched with horror on the news as xenophobic violence broke out in South Africa.
He said Africans were turning against each other forgetting the long journey they had travelled together against similar injustice and persecution by colonialists who sought to subjugate them. “It is unthinkable that in this day and age, when Africa stands on the cusp of the long-awaited realisation of its greatness, that we can do this sort of thing to one another,” he said.
“My heart and prayers go out to the people who have been affected, whatever country they are from.”
Mtukudzi further said the borders we see today were drawn for Africans by others. He urged all South Africans to stand up and say “No” to the hate of other Africans, “No” to violence and “No” murder. The celebrated musician said Africans had always been united since the pre-independence days when they supported the liberation struggle and more recently when they came together to fight Ebola.
“Xenophobia is a scourge that we must get rid of once and for all. It must not be given a chance to manifest ever again,” he said. Mtukudzi said it was not enough to just condemn xenophobia, but there was need to map out a long-term plan as a continent to make sure what was currently being seen in South Africa never happened anywhere else in Africa.
Tuku has performed several times in South Africa and has collaborated with some of the country’s finest artiste including Ringo Madlingozi, among others.
