Like many people, I choose to call what happens in South Africa afrophobia rather than xenophobia, because the hatred primarily targets and attacks people of African descent, before any other communities.
The evolution of racism and hostility is obvious. Initially, the hatred was directed towards undocumented migrants of African origin. Now, however, the problem affects all Africans who are in South Africa, regardless of their legal status.
This trend signifies the progression of hatred over time. There is strong opposition to asylum seekers and refugees from war-torn countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia, amongst others. Additionally, there is resistance to small entrepreneurs of African descent. The evolution of racism is becoming increasingly severe.
The depressing part of this crisis is that many South Africans remain quiet, with only a few speaking out. There are several explanations for this silence. Some of them actually endorse hatred. There are examples of public figures and ordinary citizens who openly support racism through their inflammatory remarks.
Political convenience
Some politicians are afraid to speak for political reasons because they do not want to lose votes. This is similar to politicians in Western countries who remain silent about racism against Black people, Jews, Muslims and other minority communities, for political reasons. South African politicians may view afrophobia as a chance to sidestep accountability for the issues facing the country.
READ MORE: South Africa’s Soaring Joblessness Erodes Personal Autonomy
When Africans are scapegoated, it eases tensions on politicians. The frustration driven by mass unemployment is diverted towards non-South Africans, rather than being directed at the politicians and government officials who hold responsibility for creating jobs. Many of South Africa’s problems derive from inept government, in the same way as other African countries.
Consider the Gulf countries like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait, where foreigners outnumber citizens. However, governments have successfully created countless jobs, which necessitate the presence of migrant workers. What fails South Africa?
There have been protests about migrants engaging in crimes in South Africa. The reality is that, in any country, an increase in crime is often a consequence of failures within law enforcement authorities. Whether the perpetrators are migrants or citizens, the problem lies with those responsible for maintaining safety and security in the country.
Unfortunately, crime is an inherent part of human life and will not evaporate, even if a country has no migrants. Regardless of a criminal’s background, the need for strong and responsible law enforcement is vital. Tackling crime effectively cannot be accomplished by plotting to commit more crimes with machetes.
Legal solutions
Responsible law enforcement incorporates border protection. South Africa, like any other country, needs to control its borders if it wants to deter undocumented migration. But racism, hatred and violence against Africans is not an acceptable answer.
READ MORE: Re-membering a Nation: New Handbook Reclaims Pan-Africanism for the Grassroots
If all these options are too difficult to implement, there are undoubtedly undocumented immigrants and migrants in South Africa. If these individuals must be deported, the entire approach should follow legal procedure, rather than being carried out by shirtless mobs wielding batons and machetes in the streets of KwaZulu-Natal, Johannesburg and the Western Cape.
In other parts of Africa, countries must adopt a strong stance on this matter, as South Africa’s manifestation of afrophobia hardly ever affects non-Africans. Various factors may clarify this pattern. For example, targeting non-African nationals could expose South Africa to significant political and economic fallout.
If attacks were directed at Americans, British or Chinese nationals, leaders such as Donald Trump, Keir Starmer or Xi Jinping would likely take action immediately. This raises the question of why African leaders seem less assertive when their own nationals face death threats in South Africa.
Irony of history
It is disheartening to witness people who underwent suffering during the apartheid regime now commit similar oppression against fellow Africans with the same skin tone.
On top of that, these are Africans whose nations helped South Africa to fight apartheid. From the North to the East and West, Africa allied with South Africa to put an end to white supremacy through both political and military approaches.
However, the issue of racism has re-emerged in a different form. The time has come for African nations to help South Africa once again in opposing racism by urging its government to put an end to this insanity.
Reports circulating on social media show that some anti-immigration activists have issued a deadline for Africans to pack and go, stating that it is until June 2026. The uncertainty surrounding what might happen after that is alarming. Will there be forced deportation or more violence?
Africa has a history of genocides, including those perpetrated by colonial rulers, such as Germany in present-day Namibia, as well as instances of genocides carried out by Africans against fellow citizens, like in Sudan and Rwanda. A common thread in many genocides is that they often begin with hatred.
What is happening in South Africa right now echoes how genocides and massacres begin. It starts with hatred, which leads people to act out their animosity by killing, torturing and exterminating people for irrational reasons. Regret follows afterwards.
Time for action
It is essential to speak out and take action before the situation deteriorates further. African nations, under the African Union (AU), and regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC), need to work together. South Africa is heading down a slippery slope towards something very troubling.
READ MORE: Rethinking Development: Africa’s Wake-Up Call
The window for prevention is narrowing. History teaches us that the moment between hatred and atrocity is shorter than we imagine. What begins as rhetoric becomes policy. What becomes policy becomes violence. And what begins as violence against one group rarely stops there.
Sarah Dajen is a journalist based in East Africa. She writes about history, politics and conflict. She is available at SarahDajen@protonmail.comand on X as @SDajen. These are the writer’s own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of The Chanzo. Do you want to publish in this space? Contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.comfor further enquiries.
