Comrade Latha On Xenophobia

Amandla!!!

It is too bad for us, South Africans.

I have, for the past decade of democracy believed that we as South Africans will do away with typical elements of unfair discrimination. This belief is informed by the constitution of South Africa which clearly condemns unfair discrimination against any race, gender, or nationality. The constitution is not considering unfair discrimination only, but also for the human rights abuses in our country.

Xenophobia is an unfair discrimination against ones race and nationality; therefore, it is against the constitution of the Republic of South Africa. What is currently happening in Alexandra, Johannesburg, against fellow Africans coming from different countries shall be condemned. This situation indicates to be xenophobic in nature with elements of direct violence against fellow Africans, on the news fellow Africans appear being totally displayed from their so called homes and others are subject to harsh violence.

Understanding our history, South Africans were once in a similar situation during the times of apartheid. It is true that neighbouring countries became new homes for fellow South Africans who were subject to cruel violence of the apartheid regime. Who we are now to our fellow African people who are also experiencing similar hard times in their home countries, they are also looking for new homes as we also did in the past. It is too bad for us, South Africans.

However, the situation with the South African population and those who are entering the country illegally is thus intense. Some people in places mostly affected by unemployment, poverty and overcrowding, will always complain about high levels of crime as subject to foreigners. They are complaining about stealing of jobs, businesses, and identity books scandals. Whether these are valid complains or unfounded, xenophobic violence and human rights abuses cannot be justified in any manner. Therefore, it is totally wrong what we as South Africans are doing to our foreign people and this must be called into order.

This is an African issue; South Africa has got a huge role to play in Africa as a continent, including the role of being a leading non-xenophobic, non violent and human rights non-abusive country. These xenophobic elements are clearly degrading our image as a country and to all the work that we have done throughout the struggle for a free and democratic country. That is why I am raising a special call to our government, the people of the Republic of South Africa and Africa at large to act to such conduct and defeat the evil spirit that is demeaning our image as the continent.

Of course, SASCO, as a leading student organisation in South Africa shall condemn such inhumane xenophobic violence against fellow Africans. We therefore call for a collective role in dealing with such misconducts.

SASCO LIVE, THE GIANT IS ALIVE!!!

LATHA “WISE” DLAMINI
POLITICAL EDUCATION OFFICER, SASCO (PMB CAMPUS)