SA could see another spate of xenophobic attacks

South Africa could soon find itself plunged into renewed xenophobic violence if the incoming government fails to improve on the delivery of basic services to the country's poor. This is the chilling finding of a study by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in the aftermath of the month-long attacks on foreign nationals in May last year, tens of thousands were displaced and many others lost their lives.

Du Noon north of Cape Town, was the Western Cape's epicentre of last year’s xenophobic attacks - families were split up, driven out and some maimed or killed. While many say things have improved, foreign nationals living and working in areas which were attacked still live in fear. A Cameroon national who's identity is withheld for safety reasons says, "At times they shoot people without even asking - they stab without even approaching you or asking you what did you do or what happened to you. Just across the street two Ethiopians were gunned down a fortnight ago."

The study has also confirmed the cause of the attack. The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation's, Valdi Van Reenen-Le Roux says, "The under lying cause of this is a competition for livelihoods and basic services from government such as housing." Through the province's Social Transformation Programme, the Institute is making some progress.

"If one has to look at Khayelitsha for example, where foreign nationals set up 'community networking forums'...foreign nationals and South African community based businesses could partner each other in sharing skills, advising, mentoring each other and coaching," said Le-Roux. But this won't be enough. She adds that when the government gets serious about housing and employment then the competition for basic needs will lessen. “This enhances chances of integration, that communities can welcome each other."

The Western Cape still has 400 foreign nationals taking refuge at the Bluewaters place of safety from last year. The City of Cape Town says it’s given them notice to find alternative accommodation or face eviction.

Source: SABC