Chief Vusumuzi Nhlapho, an executive member of the South African National House of Traditional Leaders, has apologized for the recent xenophobic attacks on Zimbabweans and other foreigners, describing the actions as “barbaric.”

Nhlapho said this while delivering a solidarity message during the official opening of the Annual Chiefs Conference in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, on Thursday last week (12 September).  “The recent xenophobic attacks must be condemned in the strongest sense as they were barbaric and perpetrated by a lunatic fringe in my country. Zimbabweans and Mozambicans are our people and we are one. We are together - simunye,” he said.

Nhlapho said most people from the Southern African region shared the same culture, history, customs and even family ties, adding that the attacks were not necessarily an indicator of the attitude of South Africans towards foreigners in the country. “It’s only a tiny minority of our population which perpetrated those barbaric attacks and therefore, on behalf of the South African National House of Traditional Leaders, we are really sorry and ashamed of what happened and certainly it won’t be allowed to happen again,” said Chief Nhlapho.

He said xenophobia was condemned by Pres Thabo Mbeki, other local political and religious leaders as well as the South African public.

Nhlapho said xenophobia went against the spirit of ubuntu and brotherhood.

About three months ago, dozens of foreigners, mainly in Johannesburg and other surrounding areas in Gauteng, died when they were attacked by groups of South African hooligans accusing them of stealing their jobs. Several suspects were arrested in connection with the violence.

Nhlapho said the people of South Africa and Zimbabwe should focus on ensuring “sustainable, roaring and vibrant economies” in their respective countries.

“We are saying the prophets of doom will be disappointed. We need no outside interference and we will certainly triumph against all odds,” he said.

Nhlapho said he was very impressed with the “unique” manner in which Zimbabwean civil servants, politicians and traditional leaders interacted during the Chiefs’ Conference.