I was so encouraged to read in your paper about the peaceful march supported by members from the Mossel Bay community. Well done to the organisers and attendees. As someone who grew up in the lovely peaceful little fishing village Mossel Bay in the 60’ to 70’s I was most upset to see that there are community uprising against foreigners there.
As it has been stated taking the law in your own hands against foreigners is not activism it is breaking the law. Even though the time I refer to is pre-1994 I do remember how diverse the citizenship in Mossel Bay was in those days.
My impression was that different cultures mixed and co-habited in peace notwithstanding the inequalities of Apartheid. People who were different from your own were (at least tolerated), even welcomed.
These memories have stood me in good stead in the years thereafter and still embrace cultures that are different from my own as long as we share the guideline of live and let live.
After discussing this with some friends still staying in Mossel Bay I got a better understanding of what causes the unhappiness in the local community.
However, I do not understand why those concerned citizens act against foreigners (some of whom are legally in South Africa) and not those who should be maintaining law and peace in Mossel Bay. Illegal behaviour cannot be tolerated.
