Malema calls for end to xenophobic attacks

With 37 days to go until South Africans head to the polls, political parties are stepping up their electioneering.

In Cape Town, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) managed to fill up a sports stadium in Philippi as it marked the provincial launch of its manifesto and the party attracted attention and support from beyond the country’s borders.

South Africa’s firebrand opposition leader Julius Malema has condemned the spate of attacks on African migrants in the coastal city of Durban, telling his supports: “There is no foreigner that took your jobs. If you fail in business, do not blame other people.”

Mr Malema – the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – took a tough line against xenophobia while on the campaign trail in the North West and Free State provinces ahead of a general election on 8 May.

“I know you call foreign nationals derogatory names, but they are Africans like yourself,” Mr Malema said.

“From Cape to Cairo, Morocco to Madagascar. African unity is key,” he added.