Ex-pats in march against violence in South Africa:
EXPATS living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held a special ceremony this week to remember South Africans who have been victims of crime, including Port Elizabeth school teacher Jayde Panayiotou who was brutally murdered this week.
They held a march at the Palm Resort in Al Ain on Thursday morning, organised by former Port Elizabeth resident Carol Poisat.
Poisat, 29, a qualified teacher, has been living in the Middle East for almost eight years with her husband Nicholas and two children.
She said they had decided to stand united as expats against crime and violence occurring in South Africa.
About 70 walkers and eight cyclists participated, with some coming from Abu Dhabi.
“Even though we are no longer living in South Africa, our hearts and families are there.
“When one lives overseas your home country takes a very special place in the heart,” she said. “During the march, one could feel the hurt, anger and emotional disappointment each one of us had about the devastating news about Jayde and all the other tragic acts happening in the Eastern Cape and in South Africa.
“The moment of silence we held in their honour was very emotional.”
Poisat said they also wanted to take a stand against corruption, violence, xenophobia and lack of leadership.