Daily Times

Trouble is brewing in South Africa. Violent, xenophobic attacks are taking place against migrants, Africans who have left behind their home countries in the continent in search of a better life in the most prosperous African nation. Recurring attacks in places like Durban and Johannesburg are taking place against migrants, their businesses and properties. In this month alone as many as seven people have been killed in a spate of violent attacks against immigrants, which include the looting of their shops and small businesses. This has resulted in hundreds of African migrants leaving South Africa in fear for their lives. There is no doubt these attacks have severely tarnished the image of what is one of the most successful economies in Africa. It is because of the promise of a better life and more prosperity that many people from other, lesser-developed African nations have been flocking to South Africa. That welcome mat no longer seems to exist. The rising hate and discrimination have seen to that.

So, what exactly is the problem in South Africa? Dubbed “the rainbow nation” after the end of white supremacist apartheid and transition to democratic rule in 1994, where is all this anger and threat emanating from? Whilst apartheid in its most virulent form may have dissipated after Mandela took over the government, key positions in business and industry remained with the whites, joined after 1994 by a small clique of powerful black Africans. It was here that the bias and discrimination against poor black South Africans was most felt. That is why local South Africans are still sensitive about employment opportunities and the potential to improve their lives. The influx of migrants from poorer African countries into the small pool of competitive jobs and labour has ruffled many in South Africa who see migrants as a threat to their own livelihoods. There is only one pie and there are too many takers. Considering that the small circle right at the top does not allow much to trickle down to the citizens, migrants are just not welcome.
We are seeing the rise of anti-immigration protests all over the world. From Europe to South Africa, the anger of the marginalised is rearing its ugly head. Migrants are not welcome anywhere now. It is a travesty that more than half the population of the world lives under oppressive, corrupt regimes that have not developed their economies, where conflict and adverse circumstances have pushed people out of their homes. South Africans are displaying frustrated reactions to the perception that their livelihoods are being snatched from right under them. Hurting migrants will not help but changing the ruling mindset, which is in charge of the economy and opportunities for citizens, should be initiated at the earliest. *