Xenophobic attacks on African Immigrants: Implications

This book discusses the resurgence of xenophobic attacks on African immigrants in South Africa which had occurred at least 15 times since 1994. It examines the reasons for the recurring incidences of xenophobic violence in South Africa often perpetrated by black South Africans against African immigrants. The reasons include rabid hatred often exhibited by some black South Africans against successful and wealthy African immigrants. There was also the allegation that African immigrants were taking away local jobs from the South Africans. Besides, there was the allegation that African immigrants engage in drug peddling and established prostitution rings. Also, the pang of poverty, frustration and restiveness among black South African youths due to rising unemployment and socio-economic inequality in South African society stoke xenophobic violence in form of misplaced aggression. The implications of resurgence of xenophobic attacks in South Africa include the loss of over 200 lives of African immigrants since 1994, and the destruction of their valuable properties and investments. It discourages international mobility of labour across national borders in Africa.