Hi,

As the "early adapters" in the online space, I think we have felt frustrated that we cannot use the online field to enact action regarding the xenophobia attacks that have been happening. 

I would like to propose the following:

I own the www.helpout.co.za domain (and have for years), which I would like to use for a new, quick website that would consist of the following:

•     Places and charities where donations can be made (there was a good list in the Sunday Times yesterday, I will start with that)
•     A link to an online petition, which will assert our negative sentiments to the violence (i will use mypetition.co.za or onlinepetitions.com).
•     Links to other online spaces dealing with the issue, such as unitedforafrica.co.za, blog posts etc

The thinking is such:

We need a platform where we can publicly voice our disgust (petition) and a collective page for how we can help (actions speak louder than thoughts).

Also, if we can drive a significant signatures to the petition, we can use it as a defense against negative international media backlash ie the violence does not represent us as individuals, or as a country. And we welcome tourism etc.

I am also toying with the idea of setting up a blog, with a single post, so that people are allowed to comment on the situation.

This must be a united effort, so please help me draft the petition. I will paste my first very basic  draft below, but please feel free to change it, add to it, or take something away. I would like it to be representative of our sentiments, but not so specific that it might prevent some people from signing it.  Once we have final version, I will create the petition, and link to it from the HelpOut.co.za website

Please post other ideas etc.

Thanks, and please spread the news

Eve Dmochowska

eved@ideabank.co.za

FEEL FREE TO CHANGE ANYTHING BELOW THIS LINE. Password is 'twitter'

Africa is the birthplace of humankind; fundamentally, we are all Africans. We all share a common humanity and a common responsibility for each other's welfare. In the words of the old slogan: An injury to one is an injury to all. After the assaults, murders, looting and other crimes that have been committed against our cousins, we are all injured.

As proud South Africans, in recognition of our shared responsibility and in the interests of healing, we wish to state publicly that:

• We abhor and condemn the recent attacks against non-South Africans.
• Everyone, regardless of race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language or birth, is entitled to equality and protection under our Constitution.
• Everyone has the right to live in peace, freedom and security.
• That our country will never be prosperous or free until all our people live in brotherhood  Freedom Charter
• We will take whatever action we can, invididually and together, to help those who have been harmed and to prevent further harm from occurring.
• We recognize the need to address many of the root causes which are resulting in some inhumane actions all over the country and demand that government  aggressively step up their campaign to address social ills in South Africa.

Signed,