Advice for South African Nationals: Xenophobia and Vigilantism is not a Solution.

Xenophobic tendencies in South Africa have increased over the years as the number of foreigners has increased. The most affected are black foreigners who are often been referred to as “amakwerekwere” these terms are derogatory, demeaning, insulting and are used to inflict intimidation and hate on immigrants

Hatred is not a solution, Xenophobia is not a solution. Even if all foreigners go away, it will not create enough jobs for everyone as anticipated. The problem in South Africa now is the high level of unemployment and the biggest issue is INEQUALITY. “Unemployment has been steadily rising, from about 25 percent a decade ago,” Statistician-general Risenga Maluleke said. South Africa is the most unequal country in the world, with race playing a determining factor in a society where 10 percent of the population owns more than 80 percent of the wealth, a World Bank report has said.

Based on observations of the attacks on persons of foreign nationality in 2008, South Africa has come to be considered by some scholars as one of the most xenophobic nations in the world (Steenkamp, 2009)

Migrants are a tool for development yet they face so many challenges. All foreigners whether documented or undocumented face unprecedented challenges and they feel unsafe in South Africa

Criminal acts of any sort or magnitude should not be condoned; doing so only leads to further acts that have the potential to become violent and place the entire community at risk.      

 It is wrong to assume that all criminal activities are done by foreigners, non-nationals, refugees, or immigrants.  Criminals should be jailed whether South African or non–South Africans without favor or discrimination. The law should take its own course; whoever is guilty of an offense should get punished as per law.

Now any criminal activity taking place in South Africa is assumed that it is committed by Zimbabweans. That cannot be correct. It is wrong to believe that any crime is done by foreigners.

Crime and violence are serious issues across South Africa. Crimes that include murder, rape, assault, robbery, carjacking scams, ATM, and credit card fraud are common. Criminals wait near ATMs to rob people who have withdrawn cash. South African nationals are also found wanting in this regard.

Unprovoked acts of violence against individuals or groups, whether to their person or property in any society, are universally accepted as a crime

A crime against an individual in a society does more than just damage that individual; it harms the entire society. It threatens the stability of the community as everyone will feel vulnerable to the act, and if appropriate action is not taken against the perpetrators and vigilantes, it enrages the community as it feels betrayed by those whose responsibility it is to protect them.

Recommendations

·        Let’s all acknowledge that xenophobia is a problem in South Africa, and Let’s address the root causes of xenophobia

·        Let’s stand up for cultural diversity in our community by supporting local businesses run by immigrants

·        Let’s teach our children kindness, making sure children understand that we are all human and we all have a right to feel safe and valued.

·        If you see someone being harassed or physically attacked, it is important to help if you can do so safely.

·        An immigrant child deserves to be treated with humanity and empathy and to grow up in a safe and healthy environment.

·        Local authorities should integrate migration into development dynamics and planning.

Conclusion

When the public stands in solidarity with immigrants and marginalized groups, bullies and vigilantes lose their power. Verbal and physical abuse is wrong and should not be tolerated. All people deserve to be treated with dignity and humanity. Stigmatization is cruel and counterproductive

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