South Africa

South Africa

In photos: People of Johannesburg march because Foreign Lives Matter

In photos: People of Johannesburg march because Foreign Lives Matter

Thousands of people marched through the streets of Johannesburg on Thursday against the spate of xenophobic attacks in KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg. The crowd comprised a cross section of society, including different political groups, classes, both locals and migrants. While attacks on foreigners have only occurred in select areas, the march proved that many believe foreign lives matter. GREG NICOLSON brings you the pictures.

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Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim, Ronnie Kasrils and Zwelinzima Vavi were some of the notable South Africans who marched against xenophobia.

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In the streets of Hillbrow, a man waves a South African flag during the anti-xenophobia march.

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 Many different communities were represented at the march, including a large group from the Chinese community.

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It was hard to estimate the size of the march as it stretched through the city. Some figures mentioned ranged from 5,000 to 25,000.

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A student blows a vuvuzela during the march to Newtown.

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The march included a cross section of society, with different ages, classes and nationalities represented.

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A man points in front of a Nigerian flag in Mary Fitzgerald Square where the march concluded and speeches were given.

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A man waves the flag of Bangladesh, a reminder of the attacks in nearby Soweto on foreign-owned stores that began in January.

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The march proceeded through Hillbrow where residents and passers-by took to the streets to watch and support.

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Children watch as the march passes through Hillbrow.

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Children watch as the march passes through Hillbrow.

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People in the Johannesburg CBD came out on their balconies to support and watch the march. Many foreigners stay in the area, which saw some of the first scares of xenophobia in Johannesburg during the recent tension.

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The march went through some of the city’s most rundown areas, important as that’s where much of the tension occurs.

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While the attacks have been going on for weeks and follow earlier attacks on foreigners this year, coupled with increased action from the state and other community action across the country, it’s hoped Thursday’s event will send a strong signal that such violence is not acceptable. 

Main photo: Gauteng premier David Makhura supported the march and gave a speech against xenophobia, but other political parties were also present among the thousands who took part.

Gallery

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