Xenophobia is no longer a new phenomenon in South Africa. In 2008, 2015 and in 2019, the country was terribly marked by very violent xenophobic acts. These demonstrations, which for the most part ravage everything in their path, are mainly due to the invasion of commercial and employment markets by foreigners.
In recent days, anti-immigrant demonstrations have resumed in Johannesburg, more precisely in the deprived neighborhood of Hillbrow. A movement called Operation Dudula is increasing demonstrations calling for illegal immigrants to be sent home. These young people sing as follows in Zulu: “Who told you to demean yourself in front of a foreigner? Not us, we stay straight!” and the official message is: “no jobs for undocumented migrants”. These statements explain thoroughly why citizens prioritize their compatriots in the job market first. In addition, the unemployment rate according to the latest estimates has reached 35% in the country. This is the fundamental cause of the youth’s frustrations.
Xenophobia is a reaction of hostility or hatred for foreigners. Indeed, violence is often accompanied in South Africa by looting, burglary and vandalism.
For example, on April 18, 2019, a Mozambican man was stabbed in the middle of the street in the poor neighborhood of Alexandra. In the same year in September, about ten people died in demonstrations. Similarly, in March 2015, at least seven foreigners were killed during the protests. Not to mention that in 2008, a deadly wave of xenophobia killed about 62 people. For these young South Africans, immigrant communities are at the root of the country’s economic difficulties and high unemployment rate. This is why the riots are mainly directed at foreigners and their stores.
Fallout that will not spare the country
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemns acts of violence in the country. He instructed the security agencies to arrest the perpetrators. Thus, in 2019, in the Johannesburg region, the epicenter of the attacks, more than 423 people had been arrested. Zimbabweans and Malawians, who are the main migrants to South Africa, are mostly the targets of these attacks. In addition to them, there are also nationals from Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The place of foreigners in the labor market is a growing theme, especially among politicians of all persuasions. The acts of vandalism are causing the bankruptcy of many stores and businesses, which could certainly have repercussions on the national economy. Many families will be broken up and traumatized. Many lives could be destroyed and futures mortgaged. With these measures the South African government intends to stop the murder of foreigners, which compromises the image of the country abroad.
To completely rid Africa of this gangrene
Above the state, continental organizations such as ECOWAS and the AU could take up the issue to stop xenophobic feelings once and for all in South Africa. It would be appropriate to take specific measures for migrants entering South Africa. At the State level, it is necessary to increase the awareness sessions between the two camps in order to bring people to understand that these foreigners also participate in the construction of the country. Above all, it is necessary to understand that no matter where we come from, we are all Africans and that one of the greatest qualities of an African is hospitality.
