Mbeki to commemorate xenophobia victims

President Thabo Mbeki will address the national day of mourning in support of those affected by the recent xenophobic attacks, his office said on Wednesday.

“The president will lead the country in a national tribute in remembrance of foreign nationals and South Africans who suffered in the recent violent attacks,” said chief operations officer in the Presidency Trevor Fowler.

The attacks claimed the lives of more than 60 people.

Mbeki, Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula and various church organisations would mark the event at a gathering in Pretoria on Thursday.

The xenophobic attacks that started in Alexandra, Johannesburg, on May 12 quickly spread to other parts of the country.

Director General in the Presidency Reverend Frank Chikane said he was amazed by the response of South Africans in helping those displaced by the attacks.—Sapa