Blessed are the peacemakers

OUR region has an enviable reputation for peace and tolerance.

In the late 1980s, when political violence threatened Zululand’s peace and stability, the Zululand Chamber of Business Foundation, political leaders and influential community members of society banded together to initiate the ‘Lower Umfolozi Peace Accord’.

Not only did this pave the way for smooth political transition, it also pre-empted the bloodshed so often associated with change and conflicting viewpoints.

Its success became the model for the National Peace Accord which followed.

We are now at a similar crossroad, where xenophobic violence threatens to upset the harmony of the rainbow nation.

Incidents in many parts of the country are well documented and the sight of criminal rioters and looters taking advantage of the situation is a wretched one to behold.

We simply cannot afford it to happen here and it is reassuring to know that meetings are taking place behind closed doors between all stakeholders, both to prepare for any eventuality, but more especially to prevent attacks on property and persons, and to promote reconciliation.

The overwhelming majority would agree: any person who is legitimately in this country, who does not partake in criminal activities, who works honestly to support his family and who adheres to the laws and acceptable norms of our society, is a welcome asset.

We need to show them the same human kindness and respect we would to our own citizens.