ZAMBIA’S High Commissioner to South Africa Muyeba Chikonde has issued a travel advisory for Zambians travelling to Durban to exercise caution in the light of xenophobic attacks in townships, which have resulted in several people being beaten and some killed.
And Mr Chikonde has assured that no Zambians have been affected by xenophobic attacks.
Mr Chikonde said he issued a travel advisory due to the high threat of attacks on foreigners in South Africa.
In a telephone interview from Pretoria yesterday, Mr Chikonde allayed fears that some Zambians resident in South Africa have been affected by the xenophobic attacks.
“Although the pattern so far shows that shops owned by foreigners are being targeted, we would, however, wish to advise that you pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks,” stated the advisory in part.
Mr Chikonde said the mission is engaging all relevant South African government wings to ensure the safety of all Zambians.
He said Zambians who travel to or reside in South Africa are urged to register with the High Commission to make it easier for the mission to contact them in case of emergency.
Mr Chikonde said online registration is available for those intending to travel to South Africa or reside there via www.zambiapretoria.net.
He also advised that Zambians without internet access may enrol directly with the Zambian mission in Pretoria.
No Zambians have been affected in the xenophobic attacks.
Most of them live in areas far from the settlements affected by xenophobia.
The mission has put in place measures to protect Zambians in that country.
“We have also dispatched a team to Durban to assess the situation and secure the lives of Zambians,” he said.
The mission is taking the situation with precaution even though Zambians are not affected in the attacks.