The attacks have resulted in some foreign nationals fleeing to refugee camps ©AFP/Getty Images

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has condemned a recent wave of xenophobic and racist attacks in the country that have left at least seven people dead.

In light of the recent attacks, the organisation implored people to embrace all law-abiding individuals who live in the nation, regardless of their country of origin.

Violence started in Durban about three weeks ago following comments made by Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini regarding migrants, although he maintains that he was mistranslated.

Several foreigners were killed during attacks in the city, which is the only bidder for the 2022 Commonwealth Games and is currently hosting the Commonwealth Games Federation Evaluation Commission.

Several more attacks on immigrants followed in cities such as Johannesburg, resulting in deaths and the destruction of property, while some 5,000 immigrants have been left homeless.

However, both cities have seen the public rallying against the xenophobic attacks, with about 30,000 people attending a march in Johannesburg.

SASCOC has moved to condemn the attacks and offered condolences to those affected by the problems.

Hundreds of people marched in peace rallies in Durban and Johannesburg
Hundreds of people marched in peace rallies in Durban and Johannesburg ©AFP/Getty Images

“We, representing the sports fraternity in our country, are driven by the moral imperative to challenge and condemn these heinous acts of xenophobic violence,” a SASCOC statement read.

“No individual should ever feel unsafe in South Africa because of the colour of their skin, their ethnic roots or the country of their origin.

“We urge all South Africans, all sports people, to denounce this xenophobia and violence from whichever quarter it is emanating from and to recommit ourselves to the principles of Ubuntu (human kindness) and show respect for all people who live in our country.”

SASCOC also pledged their support to all sectors in a bid to help with the problem, while saying that sporting federations across South Africa needed to confront the issue.


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