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South Africa

South Africa fears return of xenophobic violence

South Africa's government is playing down concerns that locals will turn on poor African migrants competing for jobs when the curtain falls on the football World Cup. Migrants from African states and NGOs say foreigners are leaving the country after renewed threats of xenophobic violence. 

South African border with Zimbabwe
South African border with Zimbabwe Wikimedia Commons
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In May 2008 anti-foreigner attacks left 62 people dead across South Africa and community groups say tensions have risen again.

But Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa is attempting to downplay fears saying it was driven by the same motives as those who said South Africa could never successfully stage the World Cup.

He said that reports of dozens of Zimbabweans seen along motorways outside Cape Town trying to hitch-hike to Johannesburg was simply seasonal workers on their way home.

Rfi's Jean-Jacques Cornish treporting from Pretoria said the Minister reiterated that South Africa would not stop foreigners if the wanted to leave the county.

Meanwhile, the Mandela Foundation has urged South Africans to keep up the inclusive spirit that has marked the World Cup.

"We have seen South Africans unite around a common support for African teams during the 2010 FIFA World Cup," it said.

"We hope that this will lead to greater appreciation by South Africans of our place on this continent and that we will show greater solidarity with non-nationals," it added.

The ruling African National Congress has also put out strong statments against xenophobia.

South Africa has been a magnet over the past decade due to its liberal immigration policies.

Workers have flocked in to take advantage of jobs in the country's mines and farms in spite of unemployment running at 25 percent.

 

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