Xenophobia took hold in South Africa recently, destroying the lives of many immigrants in the country, but most South Africans have been furious with the disgusting scenes that have been playing out in certain areas thanks to the pathetic actions of cowards who do not in any way represent the majority of South Africans or their collective mentality.
The country has seen a number of xenophobic attacks grip Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng in recent days, with violence against African immigrants in South Africa prompting the government and police services to act quickly in an attempt to stop the actions that are causing deaths, injuries and damage to property, while also forcing those affected to leave their homes for special camps set up to assist them.
South Africans have been coming out in their numbers to denounce the scourge of xenophobia and march for peace and brotherhood amongst Africans, while communities have banded together to provide relief to those affected by collecting food, clothes and various other items that are in need by the immigrants from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique and other countries who have been displaced by these horrible and unwarranted attacks.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has spoken out against recent xenophobic attacks in the country, condemning the actions, and they have announced their intention to organise friendly international matches against neighbouring countries affected by the violence to show solidarity and support for their fellow Africans.
In an effort to put a stop to the violence and promote integration and friendship amongst the African countries, SAFA plans to organise two friendly international matches against affected southern African countries.
It is not clear which two teams will be selected for Bafana Bafana to play against, with SAFA set to announce the encounters once they are organised and agreed with the various opponents. It is likely that these matches would involve some combination of Zimbabwe, Malawi or Mozambique.
Sport is often used as a unifying tool to bring people together, which is why SAFA’s plan to hold matches is something which may produce a positive impact, but it will need to be managed very carefully, and perhaps it is best that the matches are scheduled to take place once the violence is only a bitter memory, and not too fresh of a wound remains.
Of course, these matches will need to take place in the coming months, but the first priority should be to address the violence, ensure that the police have a handle on things and that those affected are taken care of, so that a sense of normality can prevail for all involved.
An agreement in principle can be sought with neighbouring Football Associations, but there is no point rushing such a game, and letting tempers die down before such a massive gathering of people on both sides of the divide would no doubt be the best course of action.
The xenophobia therefore needs to be under complete control in the ground in SA, before these matches take place, and even then as a precaution, it will be necessary to have the venues well-secured in case any threat of violence presents itself.
Football matches in South Africa are famous for seeing fans mingling and enjoying games together, with even the fierce rivalry between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates displaying the kind of respect and enjoyment amongst supporters that simply does not exist in many other countries. The atmosphere at the stadium needs to promote that same element of respect and love for our fellow human being, through sport.
Football is certainly a passion that unites Africa, and our love for the beautiful game strikes a chord with Africans on any side of the border, allowing such a tactic the opportunity to heal wounds through fans gathering side by side to support their respective nations and enjoy good football.
Hopefully this will spark and remind us all of the same camaraderie and brotherhood that was prevalent amongst Africans from all over the continent during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was heralded and hosted in South Africa.
