RHODES STATEMENT AGAINST XENOPHOBIA TO MARK AFRICA DAY

 We note with outrage the attacks against fellow Africans in Gauteng and we

 publicly condemn both the xenophobic violence and the ideology of hate

 that motivates it.

 Throughout the long years of struggle our African comrades gave us shelter

 and support and yet, only a decade after freedom, we are shamed by

 intolerance towards our African brother and sisters.

 As a community, we affirm that we cannot and will not stand idly by as

 the fires of xenophobia sweep our country. We assert that the spirit

 of ubuntu, that most African of values, must be lived, not merely

 spoken of and as an institution of higher education "where leaders

 learn" it is our responsibility to take a stand.

 We cite as our inspiration the World War II Danish legend:

 The legend says that when the Germans ordered Jews in occupied Denmark to

 identify themselves by wearing armbands with yellow stars, King Christian

X

 of Denmark and non-Jewish Danes thwarted the order by donning the armbands

 themselves. In defiance of the Nazis King Christian wore an armband as he

 made his daily morning horseback ride through the streets of Copenhagen,

 explaining to citizens that he wore the Star of David as a demonstration

of

 the principle that all Danes are equal. Non-Jewish Danes responded to

their

 king's example by wearing the armband as well, thus preventing the Germans

 from identifying Jewish citizens and rendering the order ineffective. The

 Jews of Denmark were never exterminated.

 In order to show our solidarity with all Africans, and to mark Africa Day

on

 25 May, we call on all Rhodes staff and students to take a public stand

 against xenophobia.

 On Friday 23 May we will be distributing a pledge against xenophobia which

 will be available in dining halls and in the library quad. After signing

the

 pledge, signatories will be issued with printed "Africa" symbols which

 should be displayed on your bags, cars and office and residence room doors

 and in the windows of your homes, both on and off campus.

 The symbol will not only be a sign of African solidarity and an

affirmation

 of ubuntu, but will serve to identify allies and safe spaces. Should any

 member of the Rhodes community be the target of xenophobia, they will be

 able to identify allies and safe spaces by the prominently displayed

Africa

 symbols and seek assistance.

 "Evil triumphs when good people do nothing." We are all African and we

will

 not tolerate xenophobia in our institution, our community or our country.

 Dr Sizwe Mabizela

 Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs)

 Rhodes University