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KZN-born coaches unite against racial tensions and violence in the province

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For many years, sport has been used to unite people from different backgrounds and professional football coaches born and bred in the province of KwaZulu-Natal say it is for this reason that they have come together to call for peace in the province. This comes amid concerns about racial tensions following the looting and violence that hit the province recently following the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma.

Phoenix is one of the areas that have been affected by the mayhem.

Reports of racial tensions in the area also surfaced. They were, however, dismissed on Thursday by Police Minister, Bheki Cele, who said criminality and not racism was behind the recent tensions in Phoenix

Former Bafana Bafana captain, Neil Tovey, Zipho Dlangalala, Sudesh Singh and Clinton Larsen say it is time the country united in its diversity. 

 Tovey says in times of tension and anarchy – goodness will always prevail. 

“I can all South Africans, namely KwaZulu-Natalians, to come together. We all have families and friends that have lost everything. South African are known to be very resilient as it has been showed in a number of communities. The camaraderie has brought all races together to fight this criminal intent. We know in times of tension and anarchy, goodness will always prevail. Please come together, let’s work this out. Let’s work together to make Natal a better place to live in.” 

Former Pretoria University coach, Zipho Dlangalala who also played for AmaZulu in his heyday, says the country has suffered a lot and cannot afford to relapse.  

“We have seen similar moments in the past and we have conquered them together. This time too, should be no different. From football and the experience we have of uniting different races, and people in our country, here and everywhere around the world, we appeal that this should galvanise our communities so that we restore calm and progress as we work together. As different races in South Africa we have a responsibility to use our different strengths to unite and move, in particular KwaZulu-Natal and all over the country. Let us not allow our past to obstruct our future.” 

Development guru, Sudesh Singh, calls for unity. 

“South Africa is a beautiful place. Let’s unite in our diversity. Our diversity should be a blessing and not a curse. Let’s leave positive legacies for our kids, for our grand kids and other generations to come. Let’s embrace each other. Let’s show calm and kindness.” 

Former Maritzburg United coach, Clinton Larsen, has called on citizens to stop the looting and burning of business properties. 

“We are better than this. And although it’s a minority committing these crimes and violence, we all have the responsibility to spread the message of peace and unity. We cannot let our beautiful country go up in flames.” 

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