“Protect my brother; protect my sister”

You are not powerless. You can do something to stop the violence and xenophobia that is going on around us. It is not only
the responsibility of the government and the police.

10 things you can do:

1. Report any threats or acts of violence against foreigners or groups of South Africans to the police.
2. Speak to your local councillor. Ask him or her to call a community meeting to condemn violence. Work together to find solutions.
3. Join the community policing forum and other community forums. Ensure these forums protect foreigners and anyone else who is being threatened in your area.
4. Speak out. Participate in public forums. Call in to radio shows. Write letters to the newspaper. Talk to your friends, family and neighbours. Talk to the people you work with or go to school with. Ask them to take a stand against violence.
5. Make sure foreigners at work feel safe. Speak to people at work about having a discussion on violence and xenophobia in your workplace.
6. Offer your help. Many police stations, community centres and churches are giving shelter to the victims of violence. Find out what they need. Donate blankets, food and clothes. You can also volunteer to help.
7. Check that your foreign friends and neighbours and their families are safe. If they are not safe, offer them a safe place in your house or organise community members to stay with them at their houses.
8. Report any threats or bullying against foreign and other children at school to the school principal.
9. Call on community leaders and public fi gures to speak out publicly against racism, xenophobia and violence.
10. Show love, care and ubuntu to those who have been affected by the violence.

Brought to you by: Soul City Institute, The Times, HeartLines and Sowetan