Kanengoni-Malinga speaks on xenophobia

Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Sport, Arts and Culture deputy minister, Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga has spoken on the tension in the arts sector that resulted from the current wave of xenophobia in South Africa. This came after the cancellation of a show by South African band Big Nuz in Zimbabwe due to an aggressive social media campaign by locals.

Speaking on the side lines of an art exhibition in the capital recently, Kanengoni-Malinga said people were entitled to express their dissatisfaction in peaceful ways.

“The xenophobia issue is a sensitive one. You have to look at it from two different angles.

“This heinous crime is perpetrated against our people. It is a protective instinct that we have as human beings to protect our own,” said Kanengoni-Malinga.

She said while the initial reaction is the urge to revenge, it usually worsens the situation instead of presenting solutions.

She said the call to boycott South African shows was however a safer and effective way to denounce xenophobia.

“I understand why people are saying that. It is safer because there is no violence involved,” she said.

The deputy minister added that locals should be forgiven for not being in the partying mood at such concerts due to the brutality in the neighbouring country.

“It’s a time where we need to have a positive focus. It’s not really about boycotting South African concerts. People are saying, we want to push you as a South African government. Send the police out there, act swiftly and aggressively against xenophobia. Meanwhile we will not promote your arts industry,” she said.

Meanwhile, South African rapper, Casper Nyovest’s has insisted he will be performing in Bulawayo this Saturday. Through the show’s organisers, he said he will be performing in solidarity with xenophobia victims.

This is despite social threats and calls from various circles for Casper Nyovest to wait for the dust to settle.

Renowned artiste, Albert Nyathi advised locals not to unfairly target the South African artistes as it was an act of Xenophobia.

“These are fellow our artistes from South Africa who have not beaten or killed anyone. We should actually work with them to denounce xenophobia. Let’s not be emotional. There are better ways to handle this,” he said.