South Africa: say no to xenophobia

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) has strongly condemned the ongoing attacks and fear of reprisals in KwaZulu-Natal province, Johannesburg and other parts of the country.

The shop lootings and direct attacks over the past two weeks have left five people dead and have displaced nearly 2,500 Malawian, Zimbabwean, Mozambican and Burundian, among other, nationals.

In a country of 50 million people with high unemployment rates, perpetrators of the violence accuse the five million migrants of taking the jobs from South Africans.

Although police have been working to control the xenophobic violence, more needs to be done.

JRS South Africa encourages communities, civil society and the government to address effectively the xenophobic violence and sentiments now engulfing the country.

JRS urged the authorities to intervene in a timely manner to prevent copycat incidents anywhere else in the country. While 17 people have already been arrested, JRS hopes that all the perpetrators - including those who incited the violence - are brought to justice.

A spokesperson for the African National Congress described the attacks a shameful assault on Africa's humanity. The ruling party spokesperson, Keith Khoza, castigated the attacks, saying this was not how those from countries that so recently helped South Africa during apartheid should be thanked.

A peace march organised in the eastern city of Durban yesterday demonstrates these violent acts do not represent the sentiments of all South Africans. The provincial government established four camps to house those fleeing the violence. However, the tents and destitute camp conditions are no replacement for the homes and shops left behind. Families have lost not only their homes, but also their livelihoods; many children are currently out of school.

"The current wave of xenophobic attacks calls for a deep reflection on our values of equality, human dignity and solidarity. We must recognise the value of each person, not because of race or nationality, but simply because s/he is a human being," said Fr David Holdcroft, JRS Southern Africa Director.

JRS assists refugees during this challenging moment, including dealing with issues of safety, livelihoods and integration. Rather than working solely with refugees, JRS works with the whole community, identifying key stakeholders in government and civil society and establishing long-lasting programmes which unite South Africans and foreigner nationals, including refugees, in the search for to common solutions.

Jacquelyn Pavilon, is Jesuit Refugee Service International Communications Assistant