Sowetan

Xenophobia shows we have short memories

- E. Peek Glenwood, Durban

THE philosophy of ubuntu means “humanity” and is reflected in the idea that we uphold our humanity when we uphold the humanity of others.

The truth is we have not adopted the meaning of ubuntu beyond the words and reference to our peaceful democratic transforma­tion.

Once again there are signs of growing xenophobia in South Africa. The recent xenophobic attacks not only have a negative effect on South Africa’s economy but will also stifle the expansion of local companies into other African countries.

South Africans have to remain mindful of the fact that African countries united to fight against the apartheid regime and that it was through their support that South Africa attained its liberation in 1994. Neighbouri­ng nations Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana, Tanzania and Namibia supported South Africa’s liberation movements as they hosted South African exiles and our country owes much of its freedom to the support provided by other African nations.

African migrants are the most vulnerable, competing for limited resources in the same broke areas as most of South Africa’s black majority and the lack of prosecutio­n means this violence will continue to reoccur.

It is sad that South African nationals are welcomed in other African countries yet the same courtesy is not being afforded to foreign nationals in South Africa. The whole world is watching in horror as a people once segregated for being different, are now the perpetrato­rs of violence against migrants in South Africa.

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