Introduction
Despite the remarkable strides made by several politicians to unite Africans as “one,” the ongoing issue of xenophobic attacks directed at foreigners by disgruntled South Africans in many parts of South Africa makes such efforts and commitment a futile activity. Among some of the contributory factors to a lack of a good relationship between South Africans and foreigners is the issue of cheap labour that many foreigners are always ready and willing to accept from oppressive and predatory employers, while many South Africans prefer at least a minimum and decent salary before they can accept the same job offer. Such a situation has positioned foreigners as easy targets for many South African employers than South African citizens.
Defining Xenophobic Attacks
While xenophobia in this article implies the hatred and dislike directed at foreigners or non-South Africans, xenophobic attacks, on the other hand, are used concerning the violence and killings targeted at foreigners or non-South Africans. In most instances, this violence emanates from economic factors that concern people. A notable example of this is the 2008 xenophobic attacks that erupted in Gauteng province and left more than 60 foreign nationals dead.
How Foreigners’ Acceptance of Cheap Labour Divides Foreigners and South Africans?
Some ordinary South Africans do not have any personal problems with foreigners from our neighbouring countries living and working in the South, provided they have legal documents to be in the country. However, the issue starts when foreigners come to South Africa without legal documents and take what South African employees are fighting against, such as underpaid employment. Foreigners’ acceptance of underpaid work while South Africans negotiate and demand better jobs is what has made many South Africans view foreigners as a threat to their livelihoods. Most of the incidents of xenophobic violence reported to have been directed at foreigners in South Africa come as a result of the perception that foreigners do not mind taking even underpaid work while South Africans are fighting against the same employers to improve working conditions and increase salaries.
Why Foreigners Take Underpaid Jobs
Because South Africa is a well-positioned country in Africa, the country is considered a heaven by many refugees who have been poor for a very long time back in their home countries. However, this frustrates many South Africans to such an extent that it leads to hostility and antagonism between foreigners and South Africans.
Conclusion
Indeed, it is not a good thing for Africans to attack and kill each other. To minimize this issue of xenophobic attacks directed towards foreigners from countries such as Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Mozambique, the government must strengthen its immigration policy. Additionally, a foreigner coming to South Africa should have legal documents that allow them to be in South Africa. Lastly, it is important that they also respect the concerns of South Africans before they can accept whatever job offers they take from oppressive and predatory employers.
