Xenophobia: Violence Breaks Out in Johannesburg

Illegal immigrants cross the boarders of South Africa by the thousands every day. The government has done nothing much to curb the influx of these immigrants. On the contrary they have made it legal for them to get a three month working permit. The situation has continued for a number of years now resulting in a rise in crime and poverty in the local black community. Over December I wrote about the crime in South Africa and mentioned the problems of the illegal immigrants. (Crime Rate Rises in South Africa Over the Festive Season)

It was clear to me that something would eventually erupt and it did. Although the situation is grave and embarrassing it was to be expected. The old saying “Charity begins at home” comes to mind. The government has forgotten about the plight of its own people in its attempt to help others who do not even have the legal right to enter the country. The result is now named xenophobic.

A sudden violence broke out in a township named Alexander and soon spread through the Gauteng area. The violence was blamed on a criminal element but I believe that the South African blacks came to the end of their tether. Of course there is a general feeling of empathy and concern for the immigrants. On the other hand the government should have prevented this outcome before the violence broke out.

The words “Go back from where you came” rings through the air as South African blacks attack violently. Taking everything that is of any value, beating or killing anyone who is an immigrant. Fires rage through squatter camps and townships while terrified woman grab their children and run for shelter. Some men try to make a stand but they are hacked, beaten or shot to death. Eventually they also give up and run for shelter from this devastating horror. Fear and confusion are carved into the faces of young children as their parents cry, scream and run. Bloodied bodies of dead or badly beaten immigrants lay all over the place turning a peaceful home into a war zone.

The raging fires found some human victims and the smell of human burnt flesh filled the air together with screams of unbearable pain.

At first the police stepped in and did their very best to contain the violence. Helicopters circled the areas to assist. The angry crowd shot at the police who retaliated using rubber bullets and arresting many of the offenders. At the same time helping the injured and putting out fires. The police force was not enough and the army was called in to assist. In the confusion South African blacks were also attacked. As in any such situation shops were plundered and homes emptied. Immigrants were at a loss. Where to go, what to do?

Their lives had suddenly come into danger and all they worked for was lost. The only safe place was at the police station, hospitals and churches.

Temporary camps were set up all over. One police station, Denver Police Station was over run by immigrants. Well doers rushed to their aid with food and blankets and the government started to make plans to return the immigrants from where they came. The immigrants themselves could not wait to go home. They felt that South Africa offered them death only and they had to get out as soon as possible.

What was the reason for this violence? When a thief comes in the night and robs your family what do you do? When someone takes away your ability to earn a living, how do you feel? Over the years immigrants have come into the country and they have settled quite nicely but at the demise of South African blacks. Immigrants were hired instead of South Africans because labor was cheaper and they would not complain to the authorities if they were unfairly or poorly treated by their employees. In every business and domestic sector immigrants were hired and the South African blacks were left unemployed and in poverty. Is it any wonder then that they eventually decided enough was enough. The government could have prevented this if they handled the situation with concern for all concerned.

Empathy for the immigrants is a must, but at the same time understanding the emotions of the South African blacks is also a must. As far as I am concerned, the blame for all this violence must be laid at the door of the government. So many deaths, injuries, loss of property and homes could have been avoided. To put blame on either the immigrants or the South African blacks would be grossly unjust. The one looked for refuge in this beautiful country while the other was forced to protect their own. There could have been a happy medium if properly handled. What a truly sad state of affairs.