A crowd of about 100 Zimbabweans from all walks of life converged at the South African Embassy to handover a petition to the South African government to halt the xenophobic attacks that Zimbabweans and other foreigners have been subjected to in South Africa.

It was a peaceful demonstration that was later addressed by the South African deputy High commissioner who pledged to forward the petition to
her government.

Riot police tried to intervene and arrested one demonstrator but were forced to release the man after fellow demonstrators demanded his immediate release.

Zimbabweans have shown solidarity with their own in South Africa by participating in this demonstration despite police refusing to grant
permission for the demonstration to proceed.

All is not well in Zimbabwe as the economy continues to tumble. This has forced thousands of Zimbabweans to cross the border legally and
illegally in search of better economic fortunes. Between 2011 and 2014 4610 companies have closed down resulting in 55443 jobs being lost.

The influx of Zimbabweans into South Africa has put a strain on the public service delivery system of that country.This has provoked a
violent response from poor locals who see foreigners as a threat to their social and economic well being.

Zulu king Goodwill Zwelethini stoked the fires when he made disparaging remarks against foreigners a few weeks ago.

Many Zimbabweans are living legally and illegally in South Africa and demonstrators have urged both the South African and Zimbabwean governments to protect human life.