Risking locals’ wrath to relocate

SA still regarded as Africa’s land of milk and honey

LIKE many other foreign nationals, Prince Ike Aribueze came to South Africa in search of a better education – and life.

It was 16 years ago when he left his home country, Nigeria, and headed south, leaving behind his mother and siblings.

Although settling in Joburg, Africa’s New York, was relatively easy, associating with people who believed education was not a guarantee for success almost derailed Aribueze’s ambition. That mentality led to him abandoning his studies.

“I came here with the intention of studying for a mechanical engineering qualification, but I didn’t complete my studies,” said Aribueze.

He now runs a successful handbags and cellphone business in the Joburg CBD. Foreign nationals have had tough times from locals, who often accuse them of taking away their jobs and blaming them for crime.

Fortunately, Aribueze, 35, hasn’t been subjected to that experience.

This past week, South Africa celebrated Africa Month with events around the country. The events came against the backdrop of a resurgence of xenophobic incidents in some parts of the country in recent months.

Some speakers used the event to preach the message of unity, and urged locals to embrace their brothers and sisters from across the continent.

Aribueze recalled how, upon arriving in South Africa, he quickly integrated with people of various nationalities. He finds South Africans easier to co-exist with.

“I’ve been to Poland before, went back home for a while, before deciding to come here. I love travelling, but I’ve decided to settle here now. The only reason I travel now is business.

“I have a family here, a wife and kids. The only thing I am thinking about now is expanding my business,” he said.

“Being here is okay. I have no complaints. I have good friends who are Zulu-speaking, and have been to different provinces around this country. People treat me normally.”

His “prolonged stay” in South Africa is also influenced by the economy and economic stability. “When you see other African countries, you will see that you guys are in paradise here. It’s not easy in Zimbabwe. You can’t be free like you can be here. Even where I come from (Nigeria), it’s not easy,” he sa id, adding that he visits his mother country at least once a year. Although he regards South Arica as his home from home, he does admit to being home sick at times.

“There’s no place like home. I have my mom and my brothers and sisters back home, and we communicate quite often”.

Rufaro Samanga, 22, who came to this country at a tender age when her parents moved here from Zimbabwe, has bitter-sweet memories of her experience here.

“When I was much younger, it was really difficult for me. People would make fun of me, my name and where I was from. And because Zim was going through a decline, I was mocked based on my nationality, and told to leave the country,” she recalled.

The young writer, who lives in Pietermaritzburg, says that her exposure to both countries has helped her understand her circumstances and gained her a little more respect.

“They (locals) are more open to hear about Zim. But I still see some other Zim nationals being treated the same way that I was being treated when I was young.

“When you’ve lived here longer, you are sort of accepted into the circle better. I know most languages now, the cultures, and seem to have earned slightly more respect.”

But that has not entirely exempted foreign nationals from the sharp, scrutinising stares and sly comments from locals.

“I still hear talk around Zim nationals who take (locals’) jobs...”

The perceptions of South Africa as the land of milk and honey in Zimbabwe remains.

“But there is a lot of fear,” explains Samanga. “There’ve been countless xenophobic outbreaks in SA, a number of people being hurt and some murdered.

“It has become an almost tangible fear for Zimbabweans when you think of the country. Even when they have their documents (passports and permits) in order, people still treat them differently.”

According to Nkosana Mabena, executive member of the African Diaspora, the levels of intolerance are still high. This is why they try to use Africa Day to spread the message of peace and tolerance.

“There is a high rate of Afrophobia, so by having Africa Day, we are saying to fellow Africans that ‘Africa is for us all, and recognise other Africans just as we are, and to make sure we are all pushing for the same thing’.”

Of 54 African countries, only six actively observe the day. “This is one of the days that need to be celebrated towards creating social cohesion,” says Mabena.