SOUTH AFRICA: Refugees from across Africa using soccer to ease xenophobic tensions

Record ID: 455345

  • Title: SOUTH AFRICA: Refugees from across Africa using soccer to ease xenophobic tensions
  • Date: 1st July 2010
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF FOOTBALLERS EATING AND WATCHING WORLD CUP GAME
  • Embargoed: 16th July 2010 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: South Africa
  • Country: South Africa
  • Topics: International Relations,Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA7WCZKV85Y9T1FVYYRE36LVEKW
  • Story Text: A group of young refugees from Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo-Brazzaville, Burundi, Rwanda and Mozambique are trying to diffuse xenophobic tensions in townships around Cape Town.
    They play soccer matches and watch World Cup games with township teams where there have been xenophobic attacks over the last two years.
    Ephraim Ntlamo, an 18-year old Zimbabwean who came to South Africa in 2008, started the initiative and is using the continent's universal love of the sport to build links between rival communities in townships like Du Noon.
    The township was at the centre of xenophobic attacks in the Western Cape in 2008 as residents there accused foreigners of stealing job opportunities.
    "People don't have a clear idea of how other African countries are but now because of Ghana's performance in the World Cup they will want to explore what Ghana is all about, and what Africa is all about - other African countries. And by this, they will get to understand that we are no different, we are just the same," said Ntlamo, on the sidelines of the match.
    The refugees say the focus is not on the final score but rather the bonds that players of different nationalities form.
    Spectators who stop to enjoy the games are also taught about the mission behind the matches. Many people have openly acknowledged the ability the World Cup, and football in general, has to change perspectives about migrant workers and unite Africans across the continent.
    "After Ghana is winning, everybody is happy. Even African, South African is happy because Ghana is African team qualifying for last 16," said Andile Tsbongolo, a Du Noon resident who came to watch one of the games.
    There have been rising worries that there might be xenophobic attacks right after the World Cup.
    In Du Noon there have been constant police patrols and, more recently, the military has also been deployed to the area.
    Most of those affected by the attacks in Du Noon in 2008, were shopkeepers from Somalia and Ethiopia.
    Etafariwu Turago and her husband Firehiywo Shamebo are from Ethiopia and were among those affected. They were first chased away from their jobs at a farm outside Cape Town before coming to Du Noon and have regularly received threats since they moved here.
    "No one is taking the citizens' jobs. The outside comer, himself, they make a job. Now for example me, when I'm coming here, I don't have one dollar. But I'm not sit and waiting for something from God or something from hand of the government," said Shamebo.
    After the games, the teams share a meal and watch a World Cup game together.
    The group is hoping that Ghana's success in qualifying for the quarter-finals will bring South Africa's diverse communities together.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: Footage contains identifiable children: users must ensure that they comply with local laws and regulations governing the publishing of this material.
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