FA Malawi condemns S. Africa’s ‘new apartheid’

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has joined a long list of concerned individuals and organisations condemning recent attacks on foreigners in South Africa, which have left at least three Malawians dead.

FAM General Secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said in a statement that the incidents are unacceptable.

The condemnation follows that of Confederation of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) over the same issue.

“The Football Association of Malawi subscribes to the recent Press Release from COSAFA signed by its President Suketu Patel condemning in its strongest terms the xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals being perpetrated by criminal elements,” reads the statement in part.

“What is happening in some parts of South Africa whereby some foreign nationals are being subjected to all sorts of hate and abuse is quiet unacceptable and FAM is condemning these barbaric acts.”

Nyirenda said in solidarity with other countries in the COSAFA region Malawi would take part in the COSAFA Cup 2015 edition slated for May 17 to May 31.

“It is our belief that the competition will be used as a tool of peace and heal the wounds of recent xenophobic attacks. Football is a bridge builder and COSAFA’s stand demonstrates unity among its members against the barbaric acts,” it added.

Cosafa has assured of safety all participating teams and their delegation from the South Africa government.

Meanwhile, Nyirenda also disclosed that FAM had contacted South African counterparts SAFA to ensure that Malawian players were safe.

On Tuesday hundreds of Malawians marched through capital Lilongwe on Tuesday to protest the xenophobia and presented a  a petition to South Africa’s ambassador to Malawi.

Billy Mayaya, a human rights advocate and lead organizer of Tuesday’s protest march, said : “Xenophobia is the new apartheid, which threatens to undo the gains that South Africa has made since the end of apartheid.”

The Malawi government, meanwhile, has hired buses in South Africa to repatriate Malawian nationals fleeing the violence.

A total of 390 Malawian attack survivors arrived home late Monday.

Some 3,200 Malawians in South Africa have reportedly been affected by the recent spate of attacks.

Hundreds of Malawians travel to South Africa each year in search of employment.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :