Economic insecurity, among other things, contributed to xenophobic violence against African foreign nationals and their businesses in March 2019, when hundreds of foreign nationals in Durban sought refuge at police stations or other locations as their homes, trucks, and other belongings were looted or destroyed. The South African government published a National Action Plan to Combat Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance on the same day the attacks began, March 25.
Attacks on Foreign Nationals Based on Xenophobia
From March 25 to April 2, 2019, violence erupted in the eastern eThekwini municipality, one of South Africa’s most densely inhabited districts, which includes the city of Durban and adjacent villages. Following the looting and destruction of foreign-owned homes and businesses, during which some foreign people were killed and several more were gravely injured, police made no arrests.
According to the Road Freight Association, which represents road freight service providers, more than 200 persons, largely foreign truck drivers, have been killed in South Africa since March 2018. To force foreign truck drivers out of the trucking industry, groups of people purporting to be South African truck drivers have thrown gasoline bombs at vehicles and fired at, stoned, stabbed, and harassed them. Many foreign truck drivers have been fired despite having legitimate work permits, or have been unable to return to work due to injuries or truck damage. Some of the attackers claimed to be members of the All Truck Drivers Foundation (ATDF), a local truck driver’s organization.
Police Minister Bheki Cele stated in June that 91 alleged attackers had been apprehended; nevertheless, they were merely charged with minor traffic violations, and the minister did not outline any specific steps police would take to stop the violence and protect truck drivers and cargo.
Sporadic violence targeting African foreign nationals and their businesses erupted in September in Durban, Pretoria, Johannesburg City, and the nearby districts of Germiston, Thokoza, Katlehong, Alberton, Alexandra, and Malvern. The violence killed 12 people, displaced hundreds, and looted businesses. More than 600 people were arrested on accusations ranging from public violence and looting to malicious property destruction and serious bodily harm. The arrests came amid fears that, as in earlier outbreaks of xenophobic violence, prosecutions would fail if police investigations were not comprehensive. On September 3, President Ramaphosa sent a video statement on Twitter in which he strongly condemned the violence and demanded that it stop immediately.
On March 25, the government announced the launch of a National Action Plan to combat xenophobia, racism, and discrimination, a significant step toward addressing the widespread human rights violations caused by xenophobic and gender-based violence and discrimination that continue to plague South Africa.
What is the origin of xenophobia in South Africa?
South African xenophobia can be traced back to the 1990s, under apartheid, when the country’s black population faced severe oppression.
What happened in South Africa during the xenophobic period?
For many years, xenophobia, particularly against low-income, African and South East Asian migrants and refugees, has been a characteristic of South African politics, according to the experts. In 2008, for example, xenophobic violence killed over 60 individuals and forced at least 100,000 people to from their homes.
What can be done in South Africa to combat xenophobia?
To effectively combat xenophobia, the government and police must publicly recognize xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals and their property and take decisive action. This includes conducting thorough police investigations into xenophobic acts and bringing those involved accountable.
What are the ramifications of xenophobia?
The specific manifestations and prevalence of xenophobia are widely established. ‘ It is also widely known that, when combined with pseudo-speciation2, xenophobia leads to increased aggressiveness and, in extreme cases, war, due to the weakening of mechanisms for mutual accommodation and inhibitions against killing.
