Is xenophobia gone or not? We need firm plans to eradicate xenophobia
ALEXANDRA - Last month’s xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals appear to have disappeared but not without creating casualties of their emotionally paralyzing effect and mourners from local and non locals who lost loved ones.
Xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals appear to have disappeared, but not without leaving both local and foreign emotional casualties.
The attacks are said to have raised tension, fear and suspicion among locals and foreigners who had become friends, sharing the good and the bad in their lives. This chasm will take time to heal, if ever.
Although the situation may now seem normal with flare-ups a remote possibility, nothing can be ruled out.
The worst casualty of the incidents was the government which was left scrambling for answers. Some of the attempts appear to have succeeded, in that some leaders of the SADC countries accepted national leadership’s condemnation of the acts and its message of apology. This after demonstrations and marches in other African countries condemned the acts.
What both locals and foreign nationals now await are concrete measures to ensure the condemnation is translated into action that will discourage anyone from inciting incidents which have been occurring almost annually since 2005.
Some have called for a programme to re-educate society about the country’s international obligations on the care and support of refugees and migrant seekers. Others urge that migrants be confined to camps where they can be assisted and accounted for. Another opinion is that migrants should continue to live in communities where their skill in business and their hard work can influence locals, while communities can continue to benefit from the proximity of their businesses. Yet others say Africa’s history of neighbourliness should be taught to children so that they can grow up with empathy for their fellow human beings.
It remains to be seen what government has in store as a long-term solution to eradicate the negative image the country has developed.
In anticipation of government’s action, some have taken steps towards a solution which may be short-term. Newspaper advertorials, posters and uncoordinated campaigns by some organisations and also government departments have condemned the act. But without concrete plans and corresponding long-term activities to change attitudes, their effect will fade leaving the ground fertile for flare-ups to reoccur.
Also, those prosecuted for the attacks won’t act as a deterrent as they will soon be forgotten behind bars while those guilty of lesser offences will be released after a while to enjoy normal life.
