More xenophobic attacks expected as poverty bites in SA

To qualify for the emergency action plan, that includes accommodation, Zimbabweans living in South Africa and other foreigners are invited to register as members, says a statement by the chief executive, Walter da Costa.

The organisation has embarked on a research to find out the levels and causes of xenophobia andsays tempers are cooling in some areas of Gauteng province, while in others more attacks are likely to take place before and after the Fifa World Cup.

Costa believes many xenophobic attacks in the past were not solely based on fear and hatred of strangers, but were an indirect way of attacking the government for lack of service delivery, unemployment and shortage of houses. Also, groups of South Africans attack Zimbabweans and other foreigners following instigation by individuals with political agendas. He stressed that poverty was the central point behind the countless attacks.

“Culturally South Africans have a fear of embarrassing or disrespecting their leaders by criticising them. It is easier to attack the foreigner [who is easier to remove] than to directly blame the leaders for their misgivings, said Costa.

Poverty frustrated by corruption, opulent lifestyles of leaders and lack of service delivery affects the psyche of the nation to a point where frustrations are being channelled to the easiest and weakest link in the chain.

In some cases although the ordinary people are mobilised and manipulated by “external forces” foreigners were also to blame especially where they obtained homes by corrupt means.

“In analysing this it is clear that the average person on the street is cognisant of the situation and knows that the real blame for the abuse of the system lies with the officials involved. There are many theories around the influence of apartheid on our current divisive mindset. However when walking through any township we find people being interactive and curious to know other people and their origins,” he said.

Some independent observers have alleged that the authorities act in tandem with the xenophobic gangs hence the continuation of violence.

Depending on the objectives of the organisers of the violent protests, South Africa, is poised to see more protests as the Fifa World Cup draws nearer, many believe.Such activities may be designed to exert pressure on the government to provide the necessary services, said Costa.

However should the protests be part of a campaign to win elections in the local government sector next year, violence is likely to disappear before the World Cup and resurge thereafter..

As long as service delivery issues continue to be problematic, DMPSP forsees an increase of violent incidents.

During its research in the Gauteng province the DMPSP discovered poverty alleviation, adequate housing, provision of jobs and an end to corruption are paramount in solving the xenophobic violence. It is due to such developments that the organisation is intervening and trying to provide shelter to victims of segregation.