Violence in South Africa a Product of Several Factors

Newswise — Politics professor at Sarah Lawrence College, Dr. Elke Zuern, comments on the violence around Johannesbug in South Africa:

"The recent upsurge in violence in and around Johannesburg is a product of a number of factors including xenophobia, poverty, high levels of unemployment and broader frustration at the slow pace of service delivery; add to this rising food prices which have further increased the pressures on the poor. It is important to note that there has been more looting than actual attacks on persons. This underlines the material frustrations of many of those participating. Both the shops and homes of foreigners and others have been looted.

While the South African Constitution guarantees basic rights to everyone living in South Africa regardless of citizenship, public attitudes differ. Numerous surveys have demonstrated widespread xenophobic attitudes. This intolerance is not unique to any racial, age, income, political or gender group and recent attacks have targeted not only African migrants but also some South Africans. Regionally, South Africa and Namibia display the highest levels of popular xenophobia; both countries experienced apartheid which has left behind a legacy of violence and exclusive nationalisms.

But, there is hope. Recent events have triggered a groundswell of activism from a wide array of civil society groups many of which are planning events to demonstrate their solidarity with migrants and to revive a Roll Back Xenophobia Campaign launched in 1998 by the South African Human Rights Commission and other groups."