SA King apologises over Xenophobia

King Bungane III of the royal Kingdom of Embo

A SOUTH African king who is visiting Zimbabwe has apologised for the xenophobic attacks that took place in his country earlier this year, describing the attacks on foreigners as a regrettable episode in the continent’s history. 

King Bungane III of the royal Kingdom of Embo sent out a profound condolence message to families of the victims of the horrific attacks in isiZulu.

Ironically, the attacks are reported to have been triggered by statements by another South African king, Goodwill Zwelithini of the Zulu Kingdom, who was also expected in Zimbabwe together with his Embo counterpart, but opted out at the last minute.

King Zwelithini’s daughter Princess Nonkosi, however, graced the event.

King Bungane is in Zimbabwe for a wedding of a family friend held yesterday in Gwanda, and is expected to attend the official opening of a 1 000-seater Brethren-in-Christ church in the same town today.

Speaking during a Press conference at a hotel in Bulawayo yesterday, the Embo king condemned the attacks and killing of foreigners by his countrymen.

“We are in deep pain about the killings and the foreigners who were lost during the xenophobic attacks . . . we deeply apologise about the lives that were lost. We are one as Africans and we will continue fighting for such acts to stop.

“What causes people to fight is that they are not aware of their purpose as Africans,” said the king in his message. King Bungane blamed the xenophobic attacks on the artificial borders that were put in place by Europeans when they colonised Africa.