Shameful Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

Ongoing xenophobic attacks by South Africans on nationals of other African countries are not only troubling but also condemnable. According to reports, those targeted include nationals from Nigeria, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ghana and others whose business premises are being looted or destroyed, while many are now seeking protection with the South African police. These attacks in Durban and Johannesburg have once more exposed the ingrained xenophobia among South Africans towards other Africans resident, and earning a living, in their country.
Unfortunately, the reason for the attacks is that foreigners are taking away jobs from South Africans. Such reasoning is atrociously mischievous. This is not the first time xenophobia-induced violence will be directed against other African nationals living in South Africa. In 2008, more than 62 foreigners were killed in xenophobic attacks, while the latest violence has left six killed and more than 5,000 homeless in Durban, the main city in KwaZulu-Natal province.
Incidentally, tens of thousands of people from other African countries have been living in South Africa since white-minority rule ended in 1994. It was alleged that the latest attacks began as result of a statement credited to King Goodwill Zwelithini of Kwazululand telling foreigners to “please go back to their countries”.
While we condemn in its entirety, the barbaric attacks on Africans immigrants in South Africa, we demand that the authorities protect their lives and property from the misguided xenophobes. Allowing the present situation to degenerate further would be putting at risk the existing relationship between South Africa and other African countries, especially those whose citizens are affected.
The consequences will be too grave to consider, given that South African investments in other countries could be targets of revenge attacks. It is a crying shame that just about 20 years after apartheid, some South Africans are yet to appreciate the enormous sacrifices made by other Africans to free them from oppressive white rule.
There is no doubt that youth unemployment and inequality are fermenting an atmosphere of discontent and anger in the country. However, this is not peculiar to South Africa.
While there is need to address the high youth unemployment, the South African government should also shape in a positive way the narrative around African immigrants. It should stress some facts around how migrants create jobs as opposed to taking them and even how they are helping in keeping the unemployment rate from rising even higher. While we welcome the condemnation of this violence by the ruling African National Congress, it is proper that the African Union (AU) lend its voice in calling for understanding between all parties, for peace to reign.