Machel speaks on xenophobia at exhibition launch

At the launch of the On the Frontline exhibition at the Nelson Mandela Centre for Memory, Machel diverted from her intended speaking points to focus on what she felt was more pertinent issues.

The exhibition pays tribute to the neighbouring African countries who assisted the anti-aparthied movement.

In a animated speech, Machel said, “I have to confess I am deeply disturbed.”

She recalled the time she spent in Tanzania with other African freedom fighters. “The bond amongst the liberation freedom fighters, it was developed [in solidarity]. The thing of ‘we as citizens of this region’… [it was] a life experience.”

Machel asserted, “Solidarity has to come from the same kind of [shared] experiences, [you] have to go through it, if [not] it becomes theoretical. Young people [today] find it difficult to sometimes understand. We ask for solidarity which [has] not [been a] part of their experience.”

She said some South Africans are beginning to develop a sense of guilt over xenophobic violence, “I want to say to South Africans don’t feel guilty, but take responsibility. Let us take responsibility for what is happening.”

Machel stated that those who attack foreigners are people who have been pushed to the limit. “People who are pushed to the limit can go beyond being human, simply for survival.”

She made a reference to the Jeppestown hostel and its residents who demonstrated their hatred of foreigners. “20 years after freedom, they are still living in the hostel, they are [overcrowded], they are unemployed and yet they see successful people right in front of them. You and I, [if we] were to put ourselves in their skins, how would you feel?… I am not justifying them.”

She stated that many foreigners come to South Africa simply for the opportunity to survive, and she also acknowledged the failure of some African governments to adequately provide for their people, who in turn feel pressured to seek better opportunities elsewhere.

“People are crossing the border just for survival… Those who are here (foreigners), are being pushed to the limit to come here. Why… because we the liberation movements [of the past who are] in power now. We lost the dream. We lost the vision.”

“People see the lights of Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, they believe that here opportunities are limitless.”

She also acknowledged that neighbouring African countries were very angry at South Africa, however she indicated that both anger felt against South Africa, and guilt felt by South Africans was not conducive to mending the current situation.

Machel said there was no united vision for the region to give people a collective sense of purpose and solidarity.

She also said that the people in South Africa, who were desperate, would always find a vessel or entity to direct their anger at.

“Even if all foreigners were to go away, they would [then] be against South Africans themselves. They [may] hate foreigners but they [also] hate the conditions in which they are living.”

Machel highlighted that for certain destitute South Africans, the argument of how other African countries supported the anti-apartheid movement would not persuade them.

“The people would say so what? [This] logic [does] not work.”

“We have to reinvent the dream, ” she said and urged that the leadership in the region needed to reinvent the vision, collectively as a region to provide their people with a tangible sense of direction .

“[Solidarity], it comes from sharing a vision. Find a way of uniting our people,” said Machel.

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