South Africans: Why have you forgotten so soon?

The recent attacks on foreign-owned shops in some South African towns raised certain questions: To what extent can South Africa’s inconsistent immigration policy be blamed for xenophobia? Do foreigners really ‘steal’ South African jobs? Do foreign-owned small businesses have an unfair advantage over those owned by South Africans? Are other African nationals residing in South Africa being targeted for reasons that have nothing to do with the economic disparities presently prevailing in the country? Are the present killings of fellow Africans, Nigerians in particular, attempt by unknown forces to create tension between the citizens of Nigeria and South Africa?

Nigerians as a people and a nation have done well when one talks of African liberation. Over the years, Nigerians committed their resources in support of other African nations to free their respective countries from the yoke of colonial rule. The South African National Congress, ANC, in particular was one of the major recipients of Nigerian generosity.

Nigeria’s commitment to Africa’s liberation was pursued most actively after Murtala Muhammad successfully backed the Movements Popular de Libertação de Angola’s ascent to power in Angola in 1975, by providing the swing vote in the OAU decision to recognize the MPLA. Nigeria played a role in the independence of Zimbabwe and in the late 1980s, was active in assisting Namibia to achieve independence.

Nigeria also contributed financially to liberation movements in South Africa and to the front line states of Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, which were constantly harassed by South Africa.

Threats to fight for southern African liberation were made but not acted on, but Nigeria did give military and financial aid to the African National Congress for its efforts against the apartheid regime in South Africa and provided military equipment to Mozambique to help its struggle against South African-backed guerrillas.

In addition, Nigeria gave aid and technical assistance to several African states, often through the African Development Bank of which it was a major benefactor. In 1987 a Technical Aid Corps, operating along the lines of the United States Peace Corps, was established. Under it, young Nigerian professionals served in other African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries where their expertise was needed. Nigeria also provided scholarships and fellowships, training facilities, grants, equipment, and medical supplies, and subsidized oil during the 1970s’ oil crisis to African countries under certain conditions.

The attacks against other Africans, especially Nigerian own businesses in South Africa, have been going on now for sometimes and it is about time these acts of violence come to an end. The government of South Africa, without doubt, has the capacity and the resolve to identify and root out those responsible for xenophobic activities in the country. These violent attacks have the propensity to undermine the goals and objectives of the African Union.

Perhaps, there is a need for the African Union (AU) to draft or revisit its polices, especially those relevant to the promotion of basic human rights and the safety of other Africans who reside in other African countries.

The South African government, it is hoped, will endeavour to end xenophobic attacks and violence against fellow Africans residing in South Africa. Let us, as Africans, reflect on the words of the African Union anthem. Let the words be reflected in our thinking and in our actions.