A Perspective on Mzansi Xenophobia

Opinion Mzansi Xenophobia Perspective by

Godwin Chireka

Photo Credit:Afrique Panorama

The topic of xenophobia has been dealt with at many foras and written on extensively. Solutions have been proffered but the scourge continues to rear its ugly head with astounding regularity. I had a tough time trying to interrogate the causes of this scourge and trying to find solutions to it without letting emotions stand in the way. Foremost in my mind was how does one write a balanced analysis without compromising the politics of the kith and kin. How does one rise above the stereotypes and pick the story? However, being in the position of storytelling means you owe your voice to the greater good which might not be immediately obvious for all to see. The term xenophobia has been rightfully or wrongfully used to mean fear of the African in South Africa. My experiences have shown me that this fear is real beyond any measure of doubt. Admittedly the reasons to the xenophobic outbursts are multifaceted. I try to interrogate them and give solutions.

Apartheid History “To be is to be like”

When one traces the history of South Africa one is met by the disproportionate amount of violence which was directed towards blacks by the apartheid regime. In order to survive such a harsh environment, the blacks had to develop harsh ways to protect their territory. The stories of sell outs (mpimpis) being burnt alive using a tyre, which is called “necklacing”, were many. Necklacing still has its place in South African communities today. In the book Pedagogy of the Oppressed Paulo Freire alludes to the fact that oftentimes a dehumanised people copy the oppressors when given freedom. He states that “To be is to be like”. When one is suspected of being a rapist or thief the South African community (Umphakhathi) can visit instant justice to the perpetrator. The practice is so common that some of the videos being peddled as emanating from xenophobic violence are actually of communities burning suspects. The yester-year vigilante approach to justice has not been stopped. It is evident that apartheid threw black South Africans into a dark dungeon and the recurrence of xenophobic attacks is testament to the fact that there are demons emanating from that era that haven’t been exorcised.

Misgovernance in Africa

Democracy has been a bitter pill for many African states. There has been evident failure to customise it effectively to serve people after gaining independence from the West. Resultantly scorched earth policies, that are not citizen friendly, have worsened the plight of Africans. Many an African has voted with their feet by moving to SA when the ballot fail to produce desired results. This state of affairs is not helped by South Africa’s approach of quiet diplomacy to regional and African matters. Heads of state from Mbeki to Ramaphosa have failed to intimate to African presidents the ripple effects of bad governance. It is not an exaggeration to state that South Africa has become an island of hope in a sea of dysfunctional African states. The scenario is unsustainable because SA has a finite carrying capacity and scarce resources.Complementary to misgovernance elsewhere, South African economy has not been transformed to accommodate black people. It means the dehumanisation of blacks is an ongoing project. It is common to find slum dwellers living next to obscene opulence. Naturally displaced foreigners come and compete for scarce resources with an already disenfranchised local populace. A young university student I interviewed for this article stated that she condemned in the strongest sense the killings happening on the streets. However, she said despite understanding the plight of African brothers and sisters, South Africa was going through a difficult time and could not afford to give what it does not have. Unemployment is sitting at 29 percent and many graduates are either sitting at home or under employed. The bitterness is exacerbated by the restaurants and companies that exclusively employ foreign nationals ahead of locals because of chasing capitalistic interests. Poverty pits fellow Africans against each other.

Weak Institutions

The debate that rages before every xenophobic attack is that of porous borders. Many foreign nationals bribe their way into South Africa and it is a situation of willing buyer willing seller with the security forces selling passage to the promised land. It is no wonder then that South Africa ends up attracting undesirables into their country. Many of the undocumented people cannot enter mainstream economy and end up living a frugal and criminal life in the dark alleys of Johannesburg CBD. Documented Zimbabweans will testify to being robbed by their own countrymen around Park Station. Furthermore, the corrupt housing system also results in some officials accepting bribes from foreign nationals who get houses in areas which were supposed to be a preserve of the locals. The need for shelter is a basic human need and in a normal society the officials would be arrested instead of the blame being heaped on poor and displaced foreign nationals. If weak institutions are not strengthened poor Africans will always be pitted against disempowered locals.

Drug Problems and Stereotyping

South Africans have a serious drug problem on their hands! Young lives are being decimated by drug addiction and it is a sore sight to regard. However, the problem predates apartheid and has been made worse in recent times with Nigerians being associated with this vice and pimping of young girls. What is rarely reported in the mainstream media is the existence of drug kingpins and a complex network of drug dealers that involves many nationals, the law enforcement and all races. Mainstream media in South Africa is guilty of biased reporting whereby if it is an African foreigner who has messed up the name and country of origin is splashed sensationally on articles. It then eludes the common man to realise that for every Zimbabwean robbing people in inner CBD there are thousands of teachers improving the lives of young South Africans. Similarly for every Nigerian drug dealer there are thousands of Nigerian doctors saving people’s lives in South African hospitals.

Xenophobic Populism and Denialism

It has been known since time immemorial that blaming the foreigner for all social ills is a political trick that works. In South Africa the foreigner has become a much-needed pawn to use for deflection of attention. The elites will spew xenophobic populism when it suits them or when they are gunning for votes. It is no coincidence that towards elections xenophobic populism rises from the two major political parties which is the DA and the ANC. As the popularity of both the ANC and DA dwindles politicians from both camps have upped the ante of nationalism. This has seen politicians falling over themselves to endear themselves well with a populace which feels it is under siege from foreigners. Johannesburg mayor Mashaba has made it his mandate to throw lines about foreigners every now and then, which has seen his stock rise meteorically. What is telling is that not only do politicians practice xenophobic populism they also publicly express opinions that South Africans do not have a fear of the foreigners. Admitting to such would mean action has to be taken to stop future occurences. It is not surprising that recommendations that are authored by experts after every wave of xenophobic attack are not implemented. One is persuaded to conclude that the political will to mitigate against future xenophobic attacks does not exist.

Pure Criminality

Xenophobic attacks are big business for criminals who would otherwise find it difficult to break into a shop during daylight or night. Under the guise of being angry at foreigners, criminals pursue their agendas and often succeed. The most ironic thing is that criminal rings comprising of locals and foreign nationals organise and loot strategic places with the police being non the wiser. It is an indictment on regional police forces that criminals embrace collaboration amongst themselves whilst they fail to work together to single out criminal elements behind the social ills plaquing South Africa and the region. Even petty criminals enjoy the ever-occurring days of xenophobic anarchy. On such days they do not have to worry about what to eat since food will be a break in away from them.

Envisaged Solutions-RDP Of The Soul

It is not easy to come up with a silver bullet that will solve all causes of xenophobia. It is heartening that some South African leaders realised the need to rejuvenate the soul of the nation. Nelson Mandela alluded to the need for the Reconstruction and Development Program of the soul. He said “The values of human solidarity that once drove our quest for a humane society seem to have been replaced or are threatened, by crass materialism and the pursuit of social goals of instant gratifications” Thabo Mbeki was also of the same mind when he delivered the Nelson Mandela memorial lecture. He quoted the book of proverbs thus, “The Proverbs say: “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.”” “ “Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. Strive not with a man without cause, if he has done thee no harm. Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.”” These leaders were alive to the need to tackle South African challenges strategically by looking into its soul and never to put the likes of Ike Khumalo in front as representatives on sensitive and topical issues. Respectable priests or upright pastors and civic organisations should be at the forefront of integrating African people.

Regional Development

Africans need to rise above pettiness, embrace each other and use the huge numbers to pursue common strategic goals. The colonial borders can fall if all countries are developing and creating employment for the young people. Time is now for African countries to face China, USA and Europe with one voice because the scales are skewed against them because of numbers. Arthur Mutambara a strong proponent for regional development had this to say, “You cant negotiate with the Chinese with 2 million people when they have 1.3 billion people” Negotiating as a region means youth unemployment can be tackled at a regional level and can be factored in the negotiations on investment. Coupled with SADC having an economic roadmap people of the South will prosper together. That will in turn ease economic pressures in countries like Zimbabwe and curtail the one- way flow of migrants.

Strategic Core Existence

Living in the diaspora has not started in recent times. Nationalities that find themselves in the diaspora need to look into history and draw lessons on how other groups blundered and how some succeeded. African groups that find themselves in South Africa should attend important cultural and community events and not seclude themselves. Little gestures like learning the local languages goes a long way in integrating groups. There is also a serious need to lead in telling their good story to mitigate against the inevitable effects of othering. There are South Africans who sincerely believe that foreigners are always up to no good due to the mind mapping done by biased media and politicians looking for scapegoats. Zimbabweans teachers for example can start giving time to helping struggling poor students and tell that story. If resources permit sponsoring poor students with scholarships goes a long way in being identified as solutions finders in South Africa. If stereotypes are part of the problem groups of foreigners should also strive to not stereotype the locals. Looking at each other with different eyes that seek to understand and not condemn goes a long way in easing tensions. It is my fervent passion that one day Africans can coexist and live in harmony!