from NJABULO MKHIZE in Durban
KwaZulu Natal Bureau
DURBAN, (CAJ News) – THE controversial inauguration of a newly elected chairperson of the Somali Community in South Africa has fuelled xenophobic tensions in the country.
The timing of the event, amid rising vigilante calls for the departure of foreign nationals, and the alleged use of the South African coat of arms and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s portrait, has sparked public anger and debate.
The inauguration of Mostapha Shirwac as chairperson proceeded peacefully at a hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, but tensions have escalated as the news spread.
Many South Africans have strongly opposed the use of national symbols and the terms “inauguration” and “installation” for a foreign community leader, arguing they are reserved for state officials and therefore infringe on national sovereignty.
In March, the installation of a Nigerian Igbo “king” in East London sparked violent protests and widespread condemnation.
This has contributed to nationwide agitation by groups such as Operation Dudula and March and March, calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country by June 30.
Some groups are also demanding that even documented migrants leave.
Nkele Mogono, a South African scientist, said: “The Coat of Arms is not a decoration. It represents sovereignty, heritage and democracy.”
The Somali government appears to have been aware of the inauguration. In April, a delegation led by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Mohamed Ali (Nadara) visited Johannesburg to engage the Somali diaspora.
On Monday, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture confirmed it had launched an investigation into the alleged misuse of the coat of arms.
Minister Gayton McKenzie said the matter had been referred to the State Herald for formal investigation and possible sanctions.
“The Bureau of Heraldry has been requested to report findings within ten working days,” he said.
Unofficial estimates place the Somali population in South Africa at between 70,000 and 120,000, with many operating spaza shops in township economies.
However, this has also fuelled tensions over competition in the informal sector.
– CAJ News