A KwaMashu nurse has appealed for protection after receiving repeated threats from people who wrongly believe he is a foreign national. He claims that his property has previously been vandalised, including the destruction of his fence, and fears for his safety as anti-migrant tensions continue to rise ahead of the June 30 deadline being advocated by some activists.
Image: File
A nurse from KwaMashu, north of Durban, says he fears for his life after repeatedly being accused of being a foreign national despite being a South African citizen born and raised in the township.
Vusimuzi Gumede took to social media to share his ordeal, saying he has become the target of harassment and threats from people who refuse to believe he is South African. His concerns come amid heightened anti-illegal migration sentiment and calls by some groups for undocumented immigrants to leave the country by the end of June.
“Subjects of the King, I decided to make this video to convey a message. People in my community keep saying that I am a foreigner, which is not true. I do not know where these claims come from,” Gumede said.
The medical professional said he felt compelled to speak out as the June 30 deadline being advocated by some anti-illegal migration activists approaches.
“I am a Zulu. Please stop calling me names that suggest I am from outside South Africa,” he said.
Gumede said the constant accusations have left him feeling unsafe in his own community.
“I have received numerous threats from people who want to harm me, but I do not know what to do,” he said.
According to Gumede, the harassment has at times escalated beyond verbal abuse. He claims that people once damaged the fence around his home, alleging that its design resembled those commonly associated with Malawian nationals.
“Lately, I have not been able to find peace,” he said.
Gumede emphasised that he was born and educated in South Africa and has spent his life contributing to the country.
“I want people to know that I am not a foreigner. I belong to this country. Yes, I am dark-skinned, and I will not deny that. But I did not create myself. God made me the way I am,” he said.
He revealed that he currently works as a nurse at a Durban hospital and previously served as a soldier in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Gumede said he attended Vilakazi Primary School and Thandukwazi Higher Primary School before completing his matric at Sibonelo High School in KwaMashu. He later pursued further studies at tertiary institutions.
Proudly affirming his heritage, Gumede recited his clan names, identifying himself as a member of the Gumede lineage.
“I am Mnguni, Mpangazitha, Gumede, Phakatwayo, Khondlo, Malandela, Yeyeye, Qwabe,” he said.
Describing himself as a hardworking and community-oriented individual, Gumede said he is also involved in building and farming projects and enjoys interacting with people.
“I do not smoke or drink. I simply do not understand where this perception that I am a foreigner comes from,” he said.
His experience comes amid growing tensions surrounding undocumented migration in parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Recently, a school principal from Newlands East opened a criminal case after his vehicle was allegedly damaged during a march organised by anti-illegal migration activists in Durban. The principal claimed marchers accused him of being a foreign national involved in drug trafficking, allegations he said damaged his reputation and raised concerns among parents at his school.
For more news click on this link Sunday Tribune