XENOPHOBIA AND AFROPHOBIA: what is the way forward
PEOPLE from different spheres have spoken in condemnation of misguided acts of looting, beating up and killing of our African brothers and sisters. While we agree that these actions are acts of criminality, we must also view these acts as a manifestation of self-hate. However, as a country, we are propelled to learn, unlearn and …
PEOPLE from different spheres have spoken in condemnation of misguided acts of looting, beating up and killing of our African brothers and sisters.
While we agree that these actions are acts of criminality, we must also view these acts as a manifestation of self-hate.
However, as a country, we are propelled to learn, unlearn and relearn something from this fiasco.
Two simple questions that we need to ask ourselves are: firstly, is this black on black violence really an act of xenophobia? And secondly; if we are to agree that it is xenophobia then why do only black Africans attack black Africans?
In my view, which I put forward for anyone to challenge, I will regard this ignominy as xenophobic only when I see black and white South Africans looting, beating up and killing foreign nationals, including those from Europe.
This so-called xenophopia, in my view, is what is called afrophobia. Conflict influenced by afrophobia and ethnic fighting has three main similarities. Firstly it is a battle between racial groups from the same origin, secondly it is a clash for social space as created by colonialism and thirdly there is unregulated economic interest.
In order to relate to the matter one can refer to one of the most recorded racial conflicts in Africa, the Huti and Tutsi conflict like 1972 Burundian genocide, 1994 Rwandan genocide and first and second Congo wars.
What is the way forward? Two things need to be done.
Government must come up with a national plan for racial transformation that will entail amongst other things, elimination of all forms of the legacy of colonialism. And South Africa must check the relevance of section 21, 22,23 and 24 of the Refugees Act no 130 of 1998.
The Immigration Act needs to be revised. Lastly we must check the relevance of the conventions related to the status of refugees that South Africa has signed.
Ramakola Bopape is the Coordinator of Capricorn District Community Based Organisations (CBO) Forum. He writes in his personal capacity.
