Xenophobia awareness

On Thursday the 31^st of July, The United Africa Society and the Representative Council of Learners held a Tolerance Day at Bergvliet High School. The United Africa Society is a High School based organization focused on building solidarity between African countries and creating awareness about the crises facing the African continent.  The Tolerance Day Committee consisted of Marie-Louise Koen and Catherine Kruyer (heads of UAS) as well as Marché Arends and Emily Vermulen.

The aim of the Tolerance day was to raise the level of awareness within the student body with regard to xenophobia in South Africa and to educate students about human rights. Exhibitions decorated the school passages, providing students with information about other African countries and the causes for immigration. The atmosphere around the school was celebratory of diversity and African unity with flags decorating the corridors. A display of books in the library on relevant topics was also available to students.

The committee organized an assembly which informed students about the xenophobia crisis and gave them the opportunity to engage with visual documentation. A presentation was shown to explain the occurrences of xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Students were encouraged to get involved with immigrant communities and to offer aid to victims.

The presentation was followed by a speech by a Zimbabwean national, Phillani Zamchiya. Mr Zamchiya delivered an emotionally inspiring speech about the current state of Zimbabwe; the economic collapse, the social hardships and the political tyranny which force Zimbabweans to immigrate to South African. He also shared his personal history with the students. He had held the role of Zimbabwean National Student Union President from 2004 until 2006 and during this time he was arrested 18 times and militia attempted to murder him thrice.

Tolerance Day has had a notable effect on the Bergvliet High student body. The students have responded positively to the campaign for tolerance. Many were shocked by the images of the xenophobic attacks which most had not seen before. The United Africa Society is now experiencing an influx of supporters and is anticipating a range of new projects to promote tolerance in our society.