VIOLENT ATTACKS ON MIGRANTS in South Africa : HEALING WOUNDS

Johannesburg -Dec 2015

By Solomon Amabo*

Since the advent of democracy in South Africa in 1994, the country has been on the spotlight more than ever before.

Many migrants all over the world migrated to South Africa, for educational reasons, search for jobs and better opportunities while others sought refuge from their despotic and autocratic regimes mostly across Africa. The economic migrant community increased.  South Africa has been coping, accommodating and welcoming all!

But In 2008 many migrant residents were confronted with the problem of violence and what was then termed xenophobia. Some 60 persons were killed including 22 South Africans, properties vandalized and looted.  The world started wondering what had happened to South Africa which until then, stood as a beacon of liberties and democracy in Africa.

Violence on Migrants

Again, between January and April 2015, violence sparked off in Durban and Johannesburg, Kwazulu Natal KZN and Gauteng provinces respectively. Seven people including three South Africans were killed and close to 8000 people displaced.

 After much criticism even from South Africans, migrants and civil society organizations, the Government of the Republic of South Africa deployed soldiers in restive areas like Alexandra, Johannesburg, on April 22 2015.  The soldiers of the South African National Defense Force, SANDF were within four days able to bring the violence under control. South Africa again was on the spotlight albeit negatively. 

‘Operation Fiela,’ Parliamentary Commission

In an attempt to eradicate violence and crime, President Jacob Zuma’s government launched ‘Operation Feila Reclaim’ or ‘clean sweep’. The Minister at the Presidency Jeff Radebe while announcing an Inter-ministerial Committee on Migration, said the operation ‘clean sweep, sought to rid South Africa of illegal weapons, goods, products and illegal occupation of land, drug dens, human trafficking and prostitution rings, the management of RDP houses, unlicensed businesses, undocumented migrants amongst others . He added that those living in SA must be free and safe.

Police Raid

While the operation was on, the Peoples Coalition against Xenophobia, including Lawyers for Human Rights, Nine Unions, Africa Diaspora Forum, ADF,the SA province of  Cameroon’s leading opposition Social Democratic Front party, SDF, Social Movements,  and NGOs, condemned Operation Fiela as suspicious, and unfairly targeting foreign nationals who were already vulnerable. The coalition picked holes in the link between foreign nationals and crime and the wordings ‘illegal migrants/undocumented migrants.’ They alleged that a collapsing asylum system, rampant corruption at key government offices and the closure of refugee offices were responsible for the fate of undocumented migrants. The Coalition in a statement proposed, ‘genuine partnership with Civil Society particularly representatives of the affected groups, the mapping out of a way forward that will prevent future attacks and establish a workable reintegration plan.’

The government again set up a multi-party parliamentary committee to investigate the causes of violence and attacks on migrants and proposing solutions. The committee was also to probe into the report of a previous parliamentary task team that investigated the violence and xenophobic attacks on migrants in 2008.

Several months after the violent attacks on migrants, what is the general feeling and how is reintegration process? Has there been true reconciliation with the victims? Are there still fears of violence? Has Mzansi found peace with itself?

Is SA at Peace?

Since May 2015, the parliamentary committee headed by Hon Tekoetsile Motlashuping with other members, Hon G.M. MANOPOLE, has been meeting representatives of associations of foreign nationals, civil society organizations and other groups.

It emerged from one of such meetings at the Johannesburg CBD, 9 July 2015 that African governments should try and improve living conditions in their countries to avoid the emigration of several of their nationals.

In a report on June 12 2015 from the ad hoc committee probing violence against foreign nationals, there were suggested areas for follow up and for the monitoring of the implementation of humanitarian programs and reintegration of displaced persons into communities.

The South African Human Rights Commission, SAHRC had recommended the fast tracking of hate crime legislation and the development of early warning systems as a preventive measure. They also called on government to investigate and respond timeously to human rights abuses including xenophobia.

Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa had asked that the government strengthen boarder control and grant amnesty to illegal immigrants to apply for formal residence permits without threats of deportation.

The task team in its report said government had implemented various initiatives such as the National Development Plan 2030, the Development Plan for Social Cohesion (DSD) and National Action Plan against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (DOJCD). 

The parliamentary committee working with Department of Home Affairs (DHA) was given the mandate to ensure the DHA prioritizes issuing foreign nationals with correct documentation, maintain adequate records and root out corruption.

Healing Wounds

Despite government efforts there are still somewhat fears from some migrants that violence and or xenophobia might someday reoccur. 

Marc Gbaffou: ADF Chairman 

 “Xenophobia is a phenomenon in SA. We are victims against injustices and violation of international laws. For example, new born babies do not have right to birth certificates. I think the UNHCR and DHA must treat the cases of asylum seekers. They should allow them to move even to neighboring countries and do business. When there would be movement, South Africa would not feel the pressure of migrants,” says a Congolese national, Godfrey Badibanga. Badibanga .He complained he was victim of xenophobia in 2008 at Artreville, Pretoria. The now CEO of the Africa Intelligence Protection Group 6 said he was forced out of his how because of his country of origin.  

President Mugabe: Zimbabwe

Sox Chikowero a Zimbabwean national said severe punishment would be a deterrent to xenophobia and violence. “It’s not a matter of living in fear. It is foreseeable that xenophobia could return because of the way it was handled between 2008 till now. It does not guarantee that xenophobia is gone. It’s just packed somewhere. In 2008, 60 people were killed including 22 South Africans. How many were arrested in connection with the violence and convicted? We may realize no one at that time arrested is still in prison. As long as they know that if they are arrested they would be freed xenophobia and violence can return. I have not heard about any compensation to victims,” said, Sox who is a senior member of the NGO, National Global Zimbabwe Initiative.

“We are treated with xenophobia every day.  When you go to hospitals and banks you find such attitude. For example it is said that the police asked someone whether he came to the country with a car after he was hijacked. There is need for the rebranding of the concept of migrant not linking it to crime. People should be educated to know that some migrants come to invest. I think the UNHCR needs to be proactive than being reactive,” said Jean Pierre Lukamba the Migrant Help Desk, one of the migrant associations.

Cameroonian Victims

Among the victims in there 2015 violence there were five Cameroonians. Hans Chick, Philip Acha, Pastor Teke Henry, whose Glory of Faith Church, was attacked and looted and this reporter. All the attacks and violence were recorded in Jeppes Town and Jules neighbourghoods, Johannesburg. It is still not clear whether the Cameroonian, Apianta Elvis who lost his life within that period, precisely on April 20 2015, was a victim or he committed suicide in the Hillbrow neighboughood.

Nigerian Consul General Consoles Victims

The Nigerian Consul General, Uche Ajulu Okeke who visited the affected communities in Durban and other areas in the country called for unity. “Nigerian nationals living in SA have suffered a slew of property damages and losses. Nigerians have compiled damage to their property and it is totaling 1.2 million/ N21 which we have sent to the Federal Government for further action.

H.E. Ajulu: Nigerian CG SA

"I came here to make sure Nigerians are safe. I have been briefed by the provincial commissioner and city officials that you are safe and protected. SA is your home so long as you are law abiding citizens. I am working with the SA government to restore peace. Let us forget what happened and reunite as African brothers and sisters,” said the erudite diplomat on April 20 2015.

SA Safe for Business

While the parliamentary committee is due to submit the report of its findings on reasons for violence against foreign nationals and proposing solutions, on August 30 2015, Minister Jeff Rabede reassures that South Africa is safe for business.

Minister Radebe

 “SA continues to welcome other Africans and the government has committed itself to ensure these shameful attacks do not reoccur and make SA a safe place to visit. We are working to ensure nobody within the borders of South Africa is victimized based on his country of origin,” he said.

* Reporter is Victim of 2015 Xenophobic attacks in South Africa