SOUTH AFRICA - (DURBAN) - Government says it' i treating foreigners' concerns about xenophobia very seriously.

Yesterday violence erupted on the streets of Durban when riot police clashed with hundreds of protesters.

City officials had initially okayed the march, but later cancelled it citing safety concerns.

Police used water cannons and teargas to disperse the anti-xenophobia demonstrators at City Hall.

There has been a recent spate of attacks on foreigners in Durban.

The province’s community safety MEC addressed the marchers, saying government is working to quell the violence.

“I'm here because we made that call and the municipality has availed space for me to meet with the leadership," said Willies Mchunu.

"They don't have a memorandum but I will still engage them on the issues they are raising in the memorandum.

"So by all means, government wants to hear their side of the story, government wants to listen to their concerns, and government wants to take action to ensure their safety and well-being in our country.”

- eNCA

credit link:  http://www.enca.com/south-africa/foreigners-take-stand-after-spate-kzn-attacks