Xenophobia

xenophobia

/ˌzɛnəˈfəʊbɪə/

noun

dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries.

In the years leading up to 1994, immigrants from various regions encountered discrimination and, at times, violence within South Africa. This was primarily attributed to the intense competition that arose from limited economic prospects. Contrary to expectations, the incidence of xenophobia increased following the implementation of majority rule in 1994.

During the period spanning from 2000 to March 2008, a minimum of seven individuals lost their lives in incidents that were officially classified as xenophobic attacks. In May 2008, a tragic series of attacks resulted in the loss of 12 lives.
In a widely publicized incident that occurred in April 2022, a 43-year-old Zimbabwean national and father of four lost his life in Diepsloot. The tragic event unfolded when a group of individuals, who were reportedly going door-to-door, demanded to inspect visas. In a shocking incident, the victim was forcibly expelled from a location where he had sought shelter, subjected to a brutal assault, and ultimately set ablaze by the attackers.

Economic competition, apartheid legacy, political manipulation, and cultural disparities fuel xenophobia in South Africa. Sporadic violence and discrimination against foreigners have damaged the country's worldwide reputation and social cohesion.

Operation Dudula is a vigilante organisation which turned into a political party in South Africa. The group, widely acknowledged for its xenophobic views, has been associated with instances of violent threats and targeting directed towards both legal and illegal migrants.

Watch below a documentary by BBC on Xenophobia in South Africa.