By CLEVER ZULU –
Government has taken measures to ensure the safety of Zambians in South Africa which has been hit by a wave of xenophobic attacks on foreigners.
President Edgar Lungu has since consulted with African Union (AU), Southern Africa Community Development (SADC) chairperson and Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on the xenophobic attacks currently taking place in South Africa.
Chief Government spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili said in Lusaka yesterday that the President will soon speak to South African President Jacob Zuma and other heads of State in the Southern African region.

. Kambwili

Mr Kambwili said the Government is concerned with the seemingly escalating levels of xenophobic violence targeted at foreigners of African origin, and being perpetuated most recently in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
The Zambian High Commission in Pretoria has been closely monitoring the situation in South Africa and so far, there are no reports of any Zambians living in South Africa that have been victims of the attacks.
A team of staff from the mission has since been deployed to Durban to assess the situation and render assistance to Zambians.
Equally, Zambians travelling to South Africa, particularly cross-border traders, have been advised to exercise caution and ensure personal security when travelling to South Africa.
“Government would like to assure the general public that the Zambian High Commission has been instructed to advise all Zambians living in South Africa to exercise caution in their daily activities and to avoid those areas that are reported or perceived to be affected by xenophobic attacks,” Mr Kambwili said.
Government is however, encouraged by the measures being taken by the relevant authorities in South Africa, including the mobilisation of more law enforcement officers from across the country for deployment to Durban to avoid further attacks.
“Government will continue to closely monitor the situation and update the nation as and when deemed necessary,” he said.
At least four people have been killed in a wave of anti-immigrant violence that started two weeks ago in Durban.
The violence flared up days after Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini said in remarks reported by local media that foreigners should leave South Africa, although he has since said his comments were misinterpreted.
Johannesburg was the epicenter of xenophobic attacks in 2008 that killed more than 60 people as locals vented frustrations over various issues, particularly lack of jobs in Africa’s most advanced economy.