Shameless black-on-black attacks condemned

The recent xenophobic attacks that are rattling the country have been described as a shameful indictment of the black African population.

The attacks are reminiscent of those of 2008 which were condemned globally after the death of mostly-black foreign nationals leaving thousands other non-black foreign nations unscathed. Then, a Mozambican was burnt alive and some locals with dark skin complexion associated with non-locals were also attacked.

Though denied, the current attacks are said to result from a pronouncement by a royal source calling on foreign nationals to return to their homes.

Condemning the attacks, Joel Lekgetho of Bokamoso Centre for Restorative Justice, said they reflected enslavement of the African mentality even after 20 years of supposed political independence. “There is still engrained in this mentality a feeling of self-hatred fuelled by poverty, lack of self-esteem, empowerment and pride in oneself deriving from the divide and rule policies of the past. The colonial mentality still prevails and won’t end without bold and unapologetic programmes to emancipate the black African race in all aspects of life locally and continentally.”

Lekgetho said sustainable emancipation should transcend material conditions to creating inner self-pride that acknowledges and celebrates the successes of every African regardless of origin. “In terms of small business, locals should rather spend energies engaging with foreign shop owners to learn their strategies for success like ordering goods in bulk and sharing transport which enables them to sell products at affordable prices thus retaining the local economy in the township. They should also understudy and reinforce each other’s different business methods.” He said it was also baffling to see the attacks happening as locals also benefit financially from rentals and extensions of their shops which enhanced the values of their premises and from services which were provided in proximity to homes.

Lekgetho deplored unfounded allegations of job snatching by foreigners saying they created employment and an environment for competition which is good for business. He urged high-level leadership to refute this perception in forthright ways with examples of the mutual benefits that derive from the two working together. This he said will lessen anger, tension and develop business partnerships which can also be exported to the other countries. He said communities will understand messages from leadership if communicated truthfully and subject to [leadership] also dealing decisively with corruption, unaccountability and crime.”

Details: Bokamoso Centre for Restorative Justice; 082 415 5241.