Meet the South African king whose remarks launched the Xenophobic attacks

Zulu King Godwill Zwelithi's utterances on March 23rd launched the
Zenophobic attacks in South Africa and he had refused to apologize, even after
finding out that his people have maimed, killed and destroyed businesses
belonging to black foreigners. He's still insisting that foreigners should go back
to their countries but tried to save face by saying attacking the foreigners is
not how to chase them away. He wants the government to do it legally.
During a speech in last month, Zwelithini called for the deportation of foreign
nationals living in the country, saying it was unacceptable locals were being
made to compete with people from other countries for the few economic
opportunities available. King Zwelithi said "foreigners must pack their bags and
go home".
His three major complaints and why he wanted foreigners to go were; 1. SA
traders in the townships said they could not compete with the prices that
foreign-owned businesses were selling their products. 2; foreigners involved in
crime. 3. Lack of respect shown by foreigners to locals.
Addressing Pongolo community members during a moral regeneration even,
Zwelithini accused government of failing to protect locals from the "influx of
foreign nationals".He said;
"Most government leaders do not want to speak out on this matter
because they are scared of losing votes. As the king of the Zulu
nation, I cannot tolerate a situation where we are being led by leaders
with no views whatsoever.
"We are requesting those who come from outside to please go back to
their countries. The fact that there were countries that played a role in
the country's struggle for liberation should not be used as an excuse to
create a situation where foreigners are allowed to inconvenience locals.
I know you were in their countries during the struggle for liberation. But
the fact of the matter is you did not set up businesses in their
countries," he said.
His comments were widely condemned with the SA DA describing it "highly
irresponsible' 'Particularly given the recent spate of xenophobic attacks in
South Africa, he should do the right thing – retract and apologise,"
He didn't and his spokesman went on record to say the King had nothing to
apologize for, that he meant every word he said.
"I think the people who're complaining are misinterpreting his
speech. He didn't say foreigners must be attacked or harassed. The
king was talking about foreigners who are here illegally. Some are
involved in serious crimes like drug and human trafficking. We don't
need such people in our country so the king is right." His spokesman
said
After the killing spread across different cities, the king has relented a little and
is planning to speak to his people this Monday in an effort to quell the
attacks. He's expected to address the public directly and clarify his statement
and ask his people to stop the violence which his words started