In 2022, Phophi Ramathuba, who was the MEC of Health at the time, made a shocking statement to a Zimbabwean patient in a hospital in Bela-Bela, Limpopo, blaming them for the strain on the health system. This incident was captured on camera, and despite public outrage, Ramathuba refused to apologize. Surprisingly, after the May election, she was promoted to Premier of Limpopo, showing that xenophobia seems to be rewarded in our political system.
Recently, there has been a distressing incident where illegal miners were trapped in a mine in Stilfontein, and the government’s response, as articulated by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, was cold and lacked empathy. She stated that the government would not send help, emphasizing the risks involved in such a rescue operation. This callous attitude towards a human tragedy reflects a concerning trend of xenophobic complacency in the government.
Xenophobia and anti-foreigner sentiment are not new in South Africa. The appointment of individuals like Gayton McKenzie to the Cabinet, known for his divisive stance against immigrants, further exacerbates this issue. Politicians like McKenzie, who promote hate speech and discrimination, contribute to the already existing tensions between locals and foreigners in the country.
Operation Dudula, led by Nhlanhla “Lux” Dlamini, is another example of how grievances are exploited by certain groups to incite violence and spread xenophobic rhetoric. The government’s reactive response to such incidents highlights a lack of proactive measures to address the root causes of xenophobia and intolerance in society.
The history of xenophobic violence in South Africa, from the “Burning Man” incident in 2008 to the clashes in Durban in 2015, underscores the deep-seated issues of exclusion, poverty, and unemployment that fuel anti-foreigner sentiments. The complex nature of these social problems requires a more nuanced and comprehensive approach, rather than resorting to scapegoating “the other” for societal challenges.
The rise of populist rhetoric and the tendency to oversimplify complex issues contribute to the perpetuation of xenophobia in the country. Similar trends have been observed in other parts of the world, such as the United States under Donald Trump’s presidency and the Brexit campaign in the UK. This global phenomenon of blaming foreigners for domestic issues reflects a broader trend of nationalist and exclusionary politics.
Despite calls for accountability and transparency, instances of corruption and unethical behavior among government officials, like the case of Justice Minister Thembi Simelane, often go unchecked. The lack of consequences for such actions perpetuates a culture of impunity and undermines public trust in the government.
In conclusion, addressing xenophobia and promoting social cohesion require a multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying causes of intolerance and discrimination. Political leaders have a responsibility to lead by example and foster a culture of inclusivity and respect for diversity. Only through concerted efforts to combat xenophobia at all levels of society can South Africa move towards a more harmonious and tolerant future.
