Xenophobia: The wound that won't heal

To attribute violent manifestations of xenophobia only to a few - "the angry ignorant poor" - is a reckless refusal to take responsibility. This is done, not only by the citizenry, but also by a government that is out of touch with its people and all within its borders.

Xenophobia in South Africa, as in all contexts, is a multifaceted social ill with deep historical roots.

In a country where the success of black people is viewed with suspicion, one cannot ignore that patent racialism that informs verbal, emotional, physical and psychological violence against "other" Africans. Xenophobia in SA is intertwined with racialism and racism.

But as you condemn the afrophobic violence, don't fall into the vicious trap of stereotyping all South Africans & being xenophobic yourself.

#NoToXenophobia