Xenophobic Attacks on the Rise in South Africa as Anti-Immigrant Group Gains Political Traction
Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have been intensifying as a controversial anti-immigrant group known as Operation Dudula gains momentum in the political landscape. This self-appointed civilian army has taken it upon themselves to rid the streets of foreigners, often resorting to violence and intimidation.
Recently, Operation Dudula supporters stormed into small shops, known as Spaza shops, run by foreign nationals in the village of Diepkloof. The mob harassed the owners, inspecting their products’ sell-by dates and threatening to shut down the shops. These attacks are just one example of the xenophobic sentiments that have been on the rise in South Africa.
Victress Mathuthu, a Zimbabwean residing in South Africa, expressed her frustration with the targeting of foreign nationals by xenophobic Black South Africans. She suggested that Operation Dudula’s concerns should be directed towards the government or relevant ministries, rather than resorting to vigilante actions.
Operation Dudula’s supporters argue that foreigners should not be allowed to own Spaza shops, claiming that these businesses should be reserved solely for South Africans. Their leader, Thabo Ngayo, even goes as far as demanding that foreign-owned shops be vacated within a few days, regardless of whether the businesses are registered or not.
It is worth noting that xenophobia in South Africa is not a new phenomenon. In the past, there have been numerous incidents of violence against foreigners, resulting in injuries and even deaths. The outrage sparked by these hateful acts has been widespread, but little progress has been made in terms of investigations and prevention.
The African Center for Migration and Society (ACMS) at the University of Witwatersrand has been tracking crimes against foreigners through its platform, Xenowatch. Since 1994, they have documented 1,038 attacks on migrants, 661 deaths, and 5,131 incidents of looting. However, these numbers likely underestimate the true extent of such crimes, as many cases go unreported.
Operation Dudula, which first emerged on social media in 2020, has now registered as a political party and plans to participate in South Africa’s 2024 general election. However, they are not the only party to leverage xenophobic sentiments for political gain. The Economic Freedom Fighters, the country’s third-strongest party, also employs xenophobic rhetoric. Smaller parties like the Patriotic Alliance and ActionSA have also adopted anti-foreigner stances, using them as political fodder during elections.
A concerning trend observed by experts is the institutionalization of xenophobia in South Africa. Rather than isolated instances of violence, there seems to be a growing narrative that scapegoats immigrants for the country’s economic challenges and social unrest. With the ANC, South Africa’s long-standing ruling party, facing a tough election, there are concerns that they too might align with xenophobic forces to secure votes.
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) warns that poor governance, corruption, and administrative deficiencies are the root causes of the country’s problems, not foreign immigrants. Despite claims that migrants are taking away job opportunities, the migrant population in South Africa is on par with global averages, estimated at around 6.5%.
One contributing factor to the issue is the flawed immigration policy, resulting in many migrants living in South Africa without proper residency permits. The Interior Ministry’s inefficiency and corruption have also exacerbated the problem, with delays in processing residency applications and permits.
As South Africa’s political landscape becomes increasingly polarized, the rise of xenophobic sentiments poses a threat to the safety and well-being of foreign nationals residing in the country. It is essential to address the underlying issues of poor governance, corruption, and economic disparities instead of scapegoating immigrants. Only by promoting inclusivity and tolerance can South Africa truly progress towards a more united and prosperous future.
