Feature: Thousands of South Africans march against xenophobia in Pretoria

South Africa's executive capital of Pretoria came to a halt on Friday as thousands of people marched against xenophobia following attacks on foreign nationals.

"The Million Men March", which followed a similar march in Johannesburg on Thursday, showed South Africans' determination to combat xenophobia, organizers said.

The march was cheered by numerous people who lined the streets or stood on balconies to show their support.

The march was part of nationwide efforts spearheaded by the South African government after the latest wave of xenophobic attacks left at least seven people killed and thousands of foreigners displaced. The violence first started in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province and later spread to Johannesburg.

Joining the march, a group of school children in their uniforms waved flags, sang and danced as a sign of solidarity with foreign nationals.

Sibongile Somadoda, a 15-year-old learner, danced with some Nigerian nationals. She said, "These are my brothers from another mother. We're one. It is my dream to visit Nigeria one day."

At least 20 bikers joined the march. A 46-year-old biker, Denis Zondo, told Xinhua, "We're here to fight xenophobia. So we say very clearly no to any form of violence."

An Ethiopian businessman, Ashu Hailu, 37, who came to South Africa 10 years ago, said he was grateful to the action taken by President Jacob Zuma to deal with xenophobic attacks.

But he added that the action "was too slow and pathetic to say the least".

"But we thank God. It's now over," Hailu said.

Most people in the march held placards which denounced the scourge of xenophobic violence.

Nelson Kamidzi from Zimbabwe was holding a placard which reads: "This is not what SA fought for; Down with xenophobia."

National flags of various countries were conspicuous, drapping on the shoulders of many marchers. These included the flags of Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

A large group of Chinese nationals sang the South African national anthem over and over again as they marched down the Madiba Street towards the Union Buildings, where the government works.

Meanwhile, an anti-xenophobia song, composed by about 30 musicians from around Africa, was launched on Friday. Wellknown artists such as Mzwakhe Mbuli, Solly Moholo, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sello 'Chicco' Twala and Zahara teamed up after being tasked by the SA Department of Arts and Culture to produce a song against the scourge of xenophobia.

A famous South African poet and political activist Mzwakhe Mbuli said, "The xenophobic attacks... have shocked many South Africans. It is unthinkable to me how in a country that worked so hard to overcome hatred and indignity of the past... can show such cruelty to our brother and sisters (from other countries)."

Mbuli said people cannot commit barbarism and human slaughter in their name.

The Chairperson of the African Diaspora Forum, Marc Gbaffou, said that by taking part in the anti-xenophobia marches, the majority of South Africans demonstrated that they are not xenophobic and they are concerned about the attacks.

South Africa Minister of Arts and Culture, Nkosinathi Mthethwa said, "We are united... in action against xenophobia. What brings us together for this one moment is unity."

"We are going to defeat xenophobia the way we defeated apartheid."

Chairperson of the Pan African Business Forum, Ladislas Agbesi said he was encouraged with President Zuma's efforts to deal with xenophobia in the country.

Agbesi was among the delegation of the organisations representing foreign nationals in the country.

Also on Friday, Zuma was meeting with a group of foreign nationals in Pretoria to listen to their grievances. Endi