Where do migrants fit in the Rainbow Nation? African diaspora raises alarm over migrants' rejection
A survey conducted by the Inclusive Society Institute has raised red flags about growing distrust of immigrants, particularly foreign nationals from fellow African nations living in South Africa.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
"South Africa is called the Rainbow Nation because it brings together people, including all those who are not originally from here," says Dr Vusumuzi Sibanda, Chairperson at African Diaspora Global Network. Yet those principles are now being eroded by "cheap politics," he adds.
Earlier this month, IOL reported that a survey conducted by the Inclusive Society Institute has raised red flags about growing distrust of immigrants, particularly foreign nationals from fellow African nations living in South Africa.
Chief executive of the Inclusive Society Institute, Daryl Swanepoel, told IOL that the distrust of African immigrants in South Africa is being fueled by widespread political scapegoating, economic hardships, and fierce competition for scarce resources within local communities.
CEO of the Inclusive Society Institute, Daryl Swanepoel
Image: Supplied
The GovDem Survey found that the employment status of South Africans appears to significantly influence attitudes towards African immigrants.
In an interview with IOL in the context of Heritage Month, Sibanda said South Africans have lived harmoniously with foreign nationals from different parts of the world.
“That cheap politics is not going to achieve much because people know the truth, even if you tell them lies, and they follow the lies. Deep down, in their hearts, people know what the truth is. That is why, when this talk is going on, people are being blocked from hospitals, and migrants are living side-by-side with native South Africans in the villages.
“It is only going to be in those crazy moments when we see outbreaks driven by certain groups of people that go into communities, attacking migrants.
“I think Mr Swanepoel’s views become very important, that the government should act now before people start dying during fights among the people. It is always bad when we have 10 to 15 people being killed during xenophobic attacks. We know that the government barely does anything about it. The people who commit the crimes are never really brought to book.
“That shows you the attitude that the government has. The people are not ordinarily xenophobic, but it is the government that feeds people these ideas.
Sibanda said South Africa has welcomed migrants from all parts of the world, but there is a small section that targets and rejects fellow Africans.
“Sadly, we are talking about migration and heritage when South Africa can welcome Portuguese, Italians, and Indians, but some cannot welcome fellow Africans.
“That is a mockery to what our heritage as Africans is. It looks like we have inherited hatred of ourselves. We hate ourselves and we love strangers," said Sibanda.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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