We are xenophobic monsters

SA is again besieged by its own, homegrown terror

By Justice Malala: They are killing foreigners again. They are not waiting for the World Cup to come and go. They have started killing them now.

Last week, in a case that has not been reported anywhere, a Somali shopkeeper was robbed and murdered in Soshanguve, Pretoria. He was easy prey, like all Somali and Pakistani and Bangladeshi shopkeepers. Like all foreigners.

The murderers came in the night. There were two Somalis in the shop. When the robbers arrived, one man ran into the storeroom at the back of the shop and locked himself in. The other tried to run out of the shop, into the community at large. They shot him five times. He died in a pool of his own blood. They killed him for a mere R3000 and cellphone airtime.

On Thursday night, in the newish F4 section of a village called New Eersterus, Hammanskraal, a Bangladeshi shopkeeper was shot and killed during a robbery. New Eersterus, where I grew up and where, just a few months ago, the police mowed down and killed an innocent Olga Kekana, is just 10km from Soshanguve.

The village is serviced by the Temba police station, 15km away. The police were not there on Thursday when the Bangladeshi shopkeeper was killed.

On Friday evening, a friend of mine who rents his shop in New Eersterus to a Bangladeshi, was fielding calls from foreigners throughout the region who were worried that, when the sun goes down, murder walks the land.

"The word is that criminals want to make cash to spend during the World Cup. This is their chance. The attacks are picking up. Things are getting worse," he said.

Foreign shopkeepers, most of them Somalis and Bangladeshis, have been murdered in their hundreds in South Africa over the past 10 years. In Eastern Cape, the Daily Dispatch has written amazing exposés about the fear in which foreigners live.

I have heard young men talk about how vulnerable the foreigners are. Because many of them are in the country illegally, they do not have the paperwork to open bank accounts, the thugs reason. That means that they have a lot of cash on the premises.

They are unarmed and the community around them is too scared to come out and help them."

The thugs attack them because they are thought to have cash and because they are foreigners.

In one Daily Dispatch exposé, the killer chillingly intimates that foreign lives are worthless; that it is OK to kill them.

Last week, the ANC in Gauteng said that more service-delivery protests are likely in the province and that there is a possibility that they will be accompanied by xenophobic attacks in the coming year.

The spokesman for the ANC in Gauteng, Dumisa Ntuli, said the party's investigations showed that there was an increasing trend of protests that might provide fertile soil for xenophobic attacks in areas beset by political infighting.

"The report says there will be more protests in the run-up to the local elections, targeting councillors and their property. This is something that worries the leadership.

"There is also a disturbing trend of protests organised by schoolchildren. We are conducting research to look into the possibility that xenophobic attacks might happen again," he said.

Ntuli is wrong on one point. Things might get worse as the local-government elections approach, but the truth is that the killing is happening now.

And it is not just about money. The killings are happening because, as we showed in that terrible winter two years ago, we are stupid and crazy and ignorant and poor and economically insecure ("they are taking our jobs") and even sexually insecure ("they are taking our women"). And we are also inhumane.

We know not what Steve Biko was talking about when he spoke about ubuntu. We have to call this spade by its name: We are xenophobic.

The examples I make above are related to crime. But we know now that it is not just crime. It is also a misguided belief that Somalian lives are worthless. And Zimbabwean lives. And Nigerian lives. And so on. It is xenophobia.

The ANC's warning last week came just a week after the SA Human Rights Commission warned of a new wave of xenophobic attacks ahead of the local-government elections next year.

This potential terror must be nipped in the bud. There have been reports that our country might be targeted by terrorists during the World Cup, starting next week. We will probably throw millions in resources into fighting that threat.

The truth, however, is that xenophobia is our own terrorism. We must stop the attacks before they overwhelm us again.

Xenophobia after World Cup a concern

A group of eminent global leaders called the "Elders" say xenophobia may erupt in South Africa after the World Cup as jobs start becoming scarcer.

"I think everyone recognises that with having the World Cup in South Africa there are concerns," former Ireland president Mary Robinson told a media briefing in Johannesburg.

Street traders not being able to ply their livelihoods inside 2010 stadia, xenophobia and human trafficking were some of their concerns.

"We are more worried after the World Cup, the possibilities of xenophobia... construction jobs fall away and people, especially from Zimbabwe, will be looking for jobs. "We hope it does not happen and I hope more job opportunities come."

Robinson said every major event had its downfalls: "Pushing aside of small traders is one, human trafficking in the other one."

The Elders were worried about high levels of poverty, poor governance and injustice in Africa, but also optimistic and confident about the continent's future.

Former first lady of Mozambique and wife of former president Nelson Mandela, Graca Machel said Africa was a continent of contrasts. She said even though there were negatives like poverty in Africa, there were also huge opportunities.

"We must take pride that we are able to host a huge spectacle...people must not only concentrate on the negative challenges."

Former US president Jimmy Carter said from countries around the world, South Africa had been hand-picked to host this major event. "I am 100 percent confident that the government, the people of South Africa, and you (journalists) here will represent the continent of Africa with dignity, and that this will be a great World Cup," he said, gaining a round of applause and cheers from reporters.

He said Machel and Archbishop Desmond Tutu would attend some matches while former UN secretary-general Kofie Annan would attend the final.

On Zimbabwe, Carter said future in the troubled country was "very important". A repeat of the 1990 election, he said, must be avoided.

Nobel Peace Laureate Tutu said the Elders were deeply concerned about the fragility of the situation in Sudan. "With less than eight months before a referendum on self-determination in South Sudan, it is crucial that the international community implements a comprehensive strategy towards Sudan... that the will of the people is respected."

The group recommended the international community unite behind former president Thabo Mbeki, chair of the African Union's High-Level Implementation Panel.

The group had also met with President Jacob Zuma on Thursday to discuss their concerns.

The Elders are an eminent group of former leaders who no longer hold public office, and speak and act independently. In the past three years they have used their voices to turn global attention to the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe. They have called on religious and traditional leaders to join the fight for equality for women and girls.

- Timeslive

Xenophobia likely? Letter to the Editor

EDITOR - The South African mainstream daily newspaper, The Star, of 19 May 2010 says that threats of a second xenophobic bloodshed after 2010 World Cup in SA are real and terrifying.

65 foreigners died in the 2008 hate violence. So the million dollar question is what are the necessary proactive measures being taken now to prevent another 'small genocide'? Civil society, governments, activists, media and other stakeholders should been seen now advocating and acting against South African xenophobia.

Unconfirmed reports are that in KwaZulu Natal province of South Africa, some Zulu South Africans are wearing T-shirts inscribed XENOPHOBIA PART TWO 2010. That is why some people call it ZULUPHOBIA. In 2008 the attacks were coordinated by taxi associations, Police and ANC councillors but now its being led by the ANC Youth League. JOSHUA, by e-mail - The Zimbabwean

Hate attacks may rise again

Following reports that a flood of violence will be unleashed on migrants and refugees after the World Cup, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) has told the Mail & Guardian that it is monitoring the situation.

On Monday The Guardian newspaper reported that foreign migrants and refugees in South Africa have been warned to prepare for a wave of xenophobic attacks as soon as the World Cup ends. This followed a statement last week from the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (Cormsa), which said that violence against foreign nationals continues to be a problem, with at least 10 incidents of xenophobic violence already this year.

Cormsa's statement said many foreigners had expressed their concerns about threats of post-World Cup violence aimed at them by neighbours, colleagues, taxi drivers, passersby, nurses, social workers and police officers. "We are monitoring the situation in certain parts of the country where cases of violence against foreign nationals continue to be a cause for concern," NIA spokesperson Brian Dube told the M&G, adding that the security services believe the threat could be exaggerated.

"We want to reassure all communities that the full might of the law will be extended to those who continue to engage in these criminal activities," Dube said.
A Burundian hairdresser, who asked to be called Mariam, told the M&G about chilling advice a customer had given her. "She said, 'My friend, I feel sorry for you because after the World Cup you will be killed. So I'm going to give you some free advice. You must go home. It's not me but there are an organised few that are being prepared to do that to you. So when you get your money, keep it so you can go home.'"

Her compatriot, who calls herself Mushia, told the M&G that these threats have also been extended to South Africans who are sympathetic to refugees.

She said a Sotho friend who runs a stall at the Yeoville market was told: "We're preparing the paraffin and matches. We're coming to burn you too because when we have our meetings, you're not coming."

Cormsa representative Duncan Breen said member organisations from across the country have been reporting similar threats to refugees. He also said there are "indications of localised meetings in some areas" and allegations that "lists of names have been drawn up, including minorities".

Tara Polzer, a researcher in Wits University's forced-migration studies programme, said that she has seen little evidence of centralised planning of post-World Cup violence but "the idea is spreading on a local level; it's being discussed and legitimised by being repeated over and over again".

There has been some recognition from authorities but no significant interventions have been put in place to address the factors that sparked the 2008 attacks, Polzer said.

The key trigger then was competition for leadership positions, she said. "In some cases elected officials such as ward councillors tried to solidify their support base by inciting violence and by being seen to tap into a popular concern. Given that leadership is a key trigger, and with 2011 local government elections coming up, those forms of mobilisation could increase."

Clinical psychologist Johanna Kistner said she has heard similar stories from many of the refugees she works with in the Johannesburg inner city. They are often threatened with some kind of deadline -- "after the elections", "after Mandela dies" and now "after the World Cup" -- she said, admitting that part of it might be panic. "But it's so persistent and pervasive that we have to take it seriously," she said.

Police ministry spokesperson Zweli Mnisi said: "The minister has not been approached officially … If people have been threatened, they need to report it to the nearest police station. If they [Cormsa] have information that is legitimate, they must come and engage with us."

- M&G

Zuma loses his cool at SA's housing failure

Zuma questioned foreign nationals who "forged" documents to gain access to services meant for South African citizens, and locals who received government houses and chose to sell or rent them out and move back into shacks.

- President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma - Almost Cried - Sweetwater

Xenophobia two years on

This week marks two years since a wave of xenophobic attacks targeted foreign nationals living in South Africa. The two-week explosion of violence left 62 people dead and thousands homeless.

Miriam* is a mother of five from the DRC. She wept as she recounted what happened two weeks ago. She described how a man shoved a newspaper in her daughter’s face, saying: "After the World Cup we will kill you. We will come into your houses and kill you one by one." Traumatised, Miriam’s daughter looked at the newspaper: it featured a report by the Human Rights Commission on the possible resurgence of xenophobic violence.

"I will be counting the days after the World Cup,’ Miriam said."I will be killed. I will not still be alive."

Miriam was badly affected by the 2008 attacks. Her husband owned a large shop in Alexandra township. When the looting and harassment began, he left in search of a better life. Miriam stayed behind to support their children. "The way I am living today, in poverty, is because of this," she said.

Miriam has reason to be afraid. On Monday the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa released a press statement to voice concerns that "a month from the opening match of the World Cup, threats are mounting of further mass xenophobic violence once the event is over".

Little progress
Professor Loren Landau, director of the Forced Migration Studies Programme at Wits University, confirmed to the Mail & Guardian that "this is something we have been hearing all over".

According to Landau, there has been little progress since 2008. "What hasn’t happened at a community level is an effort to address the triggers of the violence," he said. "In the communities where foreigners have been attacked, our impression is that [they] have stayed away."

Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, President of the South African Council of Churches (SACC), told the M&G he had also heard about renewed threats of violence, and added: "We have always been aware that this [xenophobia] has not disappeared."

Maluleke said the SACC has asked its members to be on the look-out for rising xenophobic tensions. "It is something we need to take seriously".

Bea Abrahams works for the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Dialogue Programme and helps to host community conversations across the country.

"The tensions around reintegration are very real," she told the M&G. "There is a very pervasive sense of fear from migrants."

Marginalisation
Although community policing forum representatives in Alexandra and Diepsloot flatly denied that xenophobic tensions are on the rise, Abrahams insisted that "what emerged from our community conversations in Diepsloot, in particular, is the extent of foreign marginalisation in the community".

Landau and Abrahams were worried that next year's local elections may generate further xenophobic violence. Landau said that the struggle for local leadership often causes tension to rise. "There are all kinds of formal and informal political structures," Abrahams added. "They wield enormous power because they can easily influence opinion."

Abrahams pointed out that when it comes to government involvement, "there is almost a complete absence of mechanisms to deal with community conflicts".

Maluleke agreed that this was cause for concern: "We are not convinced that the previous government, or this one, has prioritised xenophobia. We have not seen a move away from that denial," he said.

Ministry of State Security spokesperson Brian Dube contested this view. Dube told M&G that the State Security Agency monitored the issue of xenophobia in various parts of the country. "As we indicated in the budget vote presentation to parliament, we are aware of cases where tension exists between communities and foreign nationals," he said. "We process information and liaise with the police and other stakeholders in averting such cases."

So what do these assurances mean for Miriam? Not much. She and her children are counting the days until the end of the Soccer World Cup. "Maybe the South African government will do something," she says. "Maybe they will prepare transport for us to leave."

*Not her real name.

- M&G

Violence after the World Cup

On the second anniversary of the attacks on foreigners that left 62 people dead and about 100000 fleeing for their lives, a refugee research group has warned that xenophobic violence will flare up again after the World Cup. (from the Times)

Duncan Breen, spokesman for the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in SA, said yesterday: "We need to make this public and speak out about it. If we bring this conversation out into the open now we can talk about what needs to be done to prevent further xenophobic violence."

The consortium said it was concerned by "widespread reports" from foreigners who said "they are being threatened with violence after the World Cup".

The threats come from neighbours, colleagues, taxi drivers, passers-by on the street, nurses, social workers and police officers.

The consortium said it was concerned that "some of those making the threats believe they have the support of senior political leaders".

But Zweli Mnisi, spokesman for Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, cautioned that the consortium's statements might "be blown out of proportion".

He said if violence were to recur, the police "will deal with these criminal elements who disguise themselves as xenophobia."

De Doorns refuge camp to be cleared

Authorities want to clear the De Doorns refugee camp before the soccer World Cup starts, Breede Valley mayor Charles Ntsomi said on Friday.

He was speaking at a media conference called in Cape Town to announce details of the closure, scheduled for the end of this month.

He said it was vital to reintegrate the occupants "because South African law does not allow us to keep people in the camp".

"We felt it is now urgent we do it even before the World Cup," he said.

"We don't want to see people in camps during the World Cup. That's the crux of the matter."

The tented camp, on a sports field in the Hex River Valley town, was established in November last year to house several thousand people, mostly Zimbabweans, fleeing threats of xenophobic violence.

Most of them worked as casual labour on farms in the area, a centre of grape production.

NGO workers said on Friday they believed there were only some 600 people still in the camp.

Director for human rights support in the office of the Western Cape premier, Sifiso Mbuyisa, said officials met a group from the camp on May 5.

"The bulk of them... indicated a willingness to leave the camp," he said.

Residents of the camp were in fact constantly interacting with the community, moving in and out of the townships.

"We feel that's an indication they are willing to be reintegrated," he said.

The International Organisation for Migration, an NGO, had said it would provide financial assistance for those who wanted to return to Zimbabwe.

The municipality's media spokesman Manfred van Rooyen said officials would go with refugees who wanted to reintegrate in order to see whether landlords were ready to take them back.

Where homes had been demolished, the refugees would be given a starter kit of poles and black plastic.

The province's head of disaster management Hildegarde Fast said the possibility of having to go through the courts to secure evictions was at the moment "not even on the agenda for us".

Following the xenophobic violence in Cape Town, the vast majority of people had reintegrated voluntarily.

"We feel confident that with the current processes this isn't even on the radar," she said.

- Sapa

Sanco calls for anc councillor’s head

Official blamed for inciting xenophobic attacks

THE Western Cape ANC councillor being investigated for inciting an attack on 2000 Zimbabweans is now under fire from his own political allies.

More than 300 members of the ANC-affiliated South African National Civic Organisation marched in De Doorns yesterday, calling for the removal of ANC ward councillor Mpumelelo Lubisi – this time after he called for the deportation of about 1000 Lesotho nationals who stay in the town.

The Sanco members have appealed to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Sicelo Shiceka to remove Lubisi as their councillor.

“If you do not remove this councillor we will show you how to do so,” Sanco chairperson Bonisile Haus warned Shiceka yesterday.

Several community members said they were angry because when they questioned Lubisi about the slow pace of service delivery in the area, he blamed the Zimbabweans and allegedly incited young people to attack them.

Haus said: “Our youths were incited by his words to displace Zimbabweans, and their actions caused them to be arrested. Now he has again used hateful speech against Lesotho nationals.”

According to other alliance leaders in De Doorns, Lubisi called at a public meeting recently for the deportation of the Lesotho nationals who live in their own informal settlement known as Maseru.

Lubisi allegedly said that the Sotho-speaking residents should be “chased out” of De Doorns and “deported back to the homeland from which they came ”.

The ANC confirmed last month that they had suspended Lubisi while they investigated allegations that he incited a group of locals last year to attack the Zimbabweans living in De Doorns. More than 1300 Zimbabweans have been living in a United Nations refugee camp on a field in the town ever since.

Sanco also accused the municipality of wasting money on setting up serviced land for shacks, instead of building houses.

“For more than 17 years this community has had only one housing project. This project has only 147 RDP houses that were all built during (Nelson) Mandela’s term,” said the Sanco memorandum.

Lubisi has denied the allegations against him.

“What I said is that if you don’t have a South African identity book you don’t belong here. When people ask me at a meeting I can’t say Lesotho nationals are South African citizens,” Lubisi said.

He accused Sanco of trying to sabotage his project to move people living on dangerous mountain slopes and in the river bed to suitable land before the winter floods.

- Sowetan