It seems like a lifetime ago since we saw scenes of xenophobic attacks in the media, since then Africans united and hosted the first ever FIFA World Cup on African soil. Propelled by the spirit of the World Cup, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and City of Johannesburg have partnered for the Anti-Afrophobia march under the theme, “Walk for Unity.” The march will take place on Saturday, 6 November 2010, in Alexandra.
Minister of Arts and Culture, Paul Mashatile, Executive Chairperson of the NYDA Andile Lungisa and MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation in Gauteng, Lebogang Maile will join thousands of people on the streets of Alexandra to encourage tolerance amongst various African nationals. The march will commence at 08h00 at the Pan Africa Shopping Centre on 1st Avenue in Alexandra and move to Alexandra Stadium.
“In May 2008 violent scenes of African nationals being chased away and killed were shown throughout the world, we are calling upon all South Africans including community organisations, church leaders, political organisations, business and youth formations to stand up and ensure that it never happens again,” says Lungisa.
Lungisa explains that xenophobia will also form part of the discussions at the upcoming 17th World Festival of Youth and Students (WFYS) taking place in Johannesburg from 13 to 21 December 2010 at the Nasrec Expo Centre, under the theme “Let’s defeat imperialism for a world of peace, solidarity and social transformation”. Organised every four years in different countries all over the world by the World Federation of Democratic Youth, the NYDA won the rights to host this important youth event in South Africa through a bidding process. The event is expected to attract approximately 30 000 youth from all over the world, as well as Presidents and Ministers from various countries. Young people that would like to register for the Festival can log onto the website on www.wfysa.org
“We are responsible for shaping this beautiful country and continent;,hence we must take it upon ourselves to eradicate ills such as xenophobia, poverty and HIV and AIDS,” concludes Lungisa.
For media enquiries only please contact:
Refilwe Mphane
National Youth Development Agency
Tel: 011 651 7175
Cell: 084 308 5860
E-mail: rmphane@nyda.gov.za
Linda Mbongwa
National Youth Development Agency
Tel: 011 651 7053
Cell: 082 315 3217
E-mail: lmbongwa@nyda.gov.za
