Tshwane Protests: 'Stand up and say no to xenophobia'

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies has appealed to all South Africans to individually do what they can to defuse xenophobic tensions.

"Gauteng appears to be on the threshold of yet another outbreak of horrific xenophobic violence against foreign nationals. Already‚ there have been serious incidents of arson and looting targeting immigrants in both Johannesburg and Tshwane‚ while tensions are being further heightened by an upsurge in inflammatory rhetoric‚ particularly on social media‚" the board said in a statement. The march in #Tshwane against migrants would further inflame tensionsm‚ it feared.

"It is crucial that every feasible measure be taken by the authorities to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control‚ as has so tragically happened in the past.

• WATCH: 'We are f***ing tired' – machete-wielding foreigner shouts during heated standoff in PretoriaThere is rising tension between armed foreigners and those taking part in a contentious 'xenophobic' march organised by the Mamelodi Concerned Residents group in Pretoria. 

"All South Africans‚ regardless of race‚ nationality or social background‚ have a moral duty at this time to do whatever they can to defuse rather than further increase existing tensions.

"Incitement to violence and unfounded accusations against fellow Africans from other parts of our continent must be condemned wherever it surfaces.

"Political leaders in particular need to exercise caution and sensitivity when commenting on issues relating to foreign nationals."

• EFF joins in condemnation of Tshwane anti-foreigner marchThe Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said on Friday it "vehemently condemns erupting xenophobic attacks" in Attridgeville‚ Mamelodi‚ and surrounding areas of Pretoria. 

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies said it deplores the targeting of people solely on the basis of their country of origin‚ "and especially the lawless vigilante violence that has so often been the result. Such behaviour is a betrayal of the bedrock humanitarian and democratic values on which our society is based".

• 'March of hate is shameful' - Tshwane protest embarrasses South AfricaNon-governmental organisation Section 27 on Friday condemned Friday's "shameful xenophobic march" by the Mamelodi Concerned Residents grouping in Pretoria. 

"At this troubling time‚ we cannot afford to sit on the sidelines and simply let events unfold. If we wish to prevent a repetition of past tragedies‚ the time for action is now."