Thousands Protest South African Violence

Thousands of South Africans marched through Johannesburg yesterday to protest anti-immigrant rampages that have claimed at least 50 lives. Carrying placards comparing the violence to apartheid, marchers brought traffic to a standstill, Reuters reports. The action was organized by labor unions and churches. The nation's largest newspaper today called for the resignation of President Thabo Mbeki for failing to stop the mob violence.

Throughout this crisis—arguably the most grave, dark and repulsive moment in the life of our young nation—Mbeki has demonstrated he no longer has the heart to lead,'' said the Sunday Times. " He has shown himself to be not only uncaring but utterly incompetent.'' (More Souh Africa stories.)