Mayor Xaba: 'My firm remarks were directed at those who chose to be disorderly and disrespectful'

FOLLOWING a recent video of eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba telling a South African activist that he must “shut up his mouth” and that “he is not African”, his office said his remarks were directed specifically at those who chose to be disorderly and disrespectful, undermining the process of finding a peaceful and lawful solution.

- NADIA KHAN

In the video which was shared on various social media platforms, Xaba can be heard telling Yeshelen Govender, a civil society humanitarian activist, to “shut up your mouth” after he was interrupted while addressing refugees seeking assistance in Sherwood, Durban, on June 16.

It was believed that Govender and various other civil society organisations, were assisting more than 300 refugees from various African countries who were displaced after been forced to leave their residences in different parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

They had sought assistance from the Durban Refugee Reception Centre, operated by the Department of Home Affairs, in Che Guevara Street, Durban, since early this month.

According to a source, the refugees who have been sleeping on the pavement outside the centre, tried to seek assistance in Sherwood last week.

According to the video, while Xaba addressed the refugees, Govender asked him: “What about those who lost their jobs?”

Xaba responded: “He, I'm talking with the Africans. Shut up your mouth. I'm not talking to you.”

Xaba then told Govender: “Just get out. You're not an African”, before instructing the police to remove him.

While some people tried to escort Govender away, a policeman placed his hand on Govender’s arm to direct him away from the group.

Govender told the POST last week that while there was public interest in the matter, he would not address the issue through the media.

“mayor Xaba has indicated an intention to engage me further on this matter, and I am hoping that this will be a constructive engagement.