Lanre Awe
Xenophobia, the intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries, has unfortunately become a recurring theme in South Africa’s social and political fabric. This sentiment, often directed towards fellow Africans, especially Nigerians, raises troubling questions about the nation’s self-identity and its relationship with the rest of the continent. The recent controversy surrounding the exclusion of Miss South Africa contestants who were not of South African origin has once again brought this underlying hostility to the forefront, sparking debates and conflicts both online and offline.
South Africa’s xenophobic tendencies are not new. They have been brewing for decades, rooted in the country’s complex socio-economic landscape. The hostility towards other Africans, particularly Nigerians, seems to stem from a mix of economic competition, cultural differences, and deep-seated prejudices. South Africans often blame foreigners, especially Nigerians, for the country’s high crime rates and unemployment, painting them as the scapegoats for the nation’s struggles. This narrative, while convenient for some, overlooks the broader issues plaguing South Africa, including systemic inequality, corruption, and a history of violence that has permeated the society.
The recent uproar over the Miss South Africa pageant, where contestants of non-South African origin faced backlash, serves as a microcosm of the broader xenophobic sentiment. The exclusion of these contestants was not just about preserving cultural purity or national pride; it was a stark reminder of the deep-rooted biases that still exist within South African society. The pageant, which should have been a celebration of diversity and unity, instead became a battleground for xenophobic rhetoric, with many South Africans expressing their disdain for the inclusion of non-South Africans.
As I write this, the debate rages on, with South Africans, Nigerians, and other Africans taking to social media to either defend or criticize the actions of the pageant organizers. This incident has exposed the fragility of the so-called African unity and the deep-seated animosity that some South Africans harbour towards their fellow Africans.
One of the most common justifications for xenophobia in South Africa is the claim that Nigerians are responsible for the country’s high crime rates. This stereotype has been perpetuated by both the media and politicians, creating a narrative that paints Nigerians as drug dealers, human traffickers, and criminals. However, this narrative falls apart when confronted with the facts. While it is true that some Nigerians have been involved in criminal activities in South Africa, the number of South Africans in jail for crimes far outstrips that of Nigerians.
The focus on Nigerians as the culprits behind South Africa’s crime wave is not only misleading but also dangerous. It shifts attention away from the systemic issues that contribute to crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and the legacy of apartheid, and instead creates an “us versus them” mentality. This mentality only serves to fuel further division and violence, as seen in the numerous xenophobic attacks that have taken place over the years.
To understand the xenophobic violence in South Africa, one must first understand the role that violence plays in the country’s social fabric. South Africa has a long and painful history of violence, from the brutal years of apartheid to the post-apartheid era, where crime and violence have remained pervasive. This history has created a society where violence is often seen as a legitimate means of resolving disputes or asserting dominance.
In this context, the xenophobic attacks against foreigners, particularly Nigerians, can be seen as an extension of the violence that already exists within South African society. The violence is not just about foreigners taking jobs or committing crimes; it is about asserting control, reclaiming space, and reinforcing a sense of superiority. Unfortunately, this violence is often directed towards the most vulnerable, those who lack the protection of the state or the means to defend themselves.
The narrative that Nigerians are responsible for South Africa’s woes is not only simplistic but also profoundly unfair. It ignores the complexities of crime and violence in the country and the myriad of factors that contribute to these issues. Are Nigerians also responsible for the carjackings, housebreakings, robberies, and murders that occur daily in South Africa? Of course not. These crimes are committed by South Africans as well, driven by the same socio-economic pressures that affect any society.
Blaming Nigerians or other foreigners for these crimes is a convenient way to avoid addressing the root causes of South Africa’s problems. It is easier to point fingers at outsiders than to confront the deep-seated issues within one’s own society. However, this approach only perpetuates the cycle of violence and division, making it harder to find real solutions to the challenges facing South Africa.
The xenophobia in South Africa is a symptom of a larger problem, one that requires introspection and honest dialogue. It is not enough to condemn the violence or the hostility towards foreigners; we must also ask ourselves why this sentiment exists in the first place. What are the underlying fears and anxieties that drive South Africans to turn against their fellow Africans? How can these issues be addressed in a way that promotes unity rather than division?
South Africa’s leaders must take responsibility for the role they have played in perpetuating xenophobia. Whether through inflammatory rhetoric, failure to address economic inequalities, or turning a blind eye to the violence, they have contributed to the toxic environment that allows xenophobia to flourish. It is time for a new approach, one that recognizes the value of diversity and the importance of solidarity among Africans.
To move forward, South Africa must first acknowledge the problem of xenophobia and commit to addressing it at all levels of society. This means not only condemning the violence but also tackling the root causes, such as poverty, unemployment, and the legacy of apartheid. It also means challenging the stereotypes and prejudices that fuel xenophobia, whether through education, media, or public discourse.
South Africans must also recognize that their destiny is intertwined with that of the rest of the continent. Africa’s strength lies in its unity, and the divisions created by xenophobia only serve to weaken us all. By embracing diversity and fostering a sense of solidarity, South Africa can lead the way in creating a more inclusive and equitable continent.
