In South Africa, xenophobic tendencies are still present. Anti-foreigner sentiment is on the rise. So during a question-and-answer session with President Cyril Ramaphosa, the issue was raised again by parliamentarians.
The phenomenon of xenophobia in South Africa is not new. In 2008, the country experienced a wave of attacks against refugees and migrants. As a result, more than 60 people were killed and thousands displaced. The president’s party has been accused by the opposition parties of feeding this xenophobic sentiment within its ranks.
Xenophobia in the ranks of the presidential party
For several opposition parties, the problem of illegal immigration in South Africa is poorly solved by the current government. Unfortunately, the government is not taking adequate measures. And members of President Ramaphosa’s party seem to prefer the path of xenophobia. This is unacceptable.
In several speeches by African National Congress (ANC) officials, illegal migrants are targeted as the perpetrators of all the ills. Basically the main troublemakers. In other words, they are the scapegoats for the incapacity of the South African authorities in many areas.
“Mr. President, instead of solving the problems, your party is pointing fingers at people. Your silence on this issue implies that you validate this scapegoating policy against foreigners,” said John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), the main opposition party.
Progressive measures
In his defense before parliamentarians, President Ramaphosa said that solutions are being implemented against illegal immigration. However, their effects will be gradual. As for the acts of xenophobia in his camp, actions are being taken to stop them. For these behaviors that really impinge on the stability and the hospitalized character of the country.
“We are not a xenophobic country, and the leaders of the party I lead are not xenophobic either. Our foreign policy is admired around the world because we have taken progressive steps,” Cyril Ramaphosa reassured.
“Migration is an important development issue within the African Union and the Southern African Development Community, and indeed globally. As a result, it figures in the bilateral commitments between South Africa and other African countries,” he said. He also promised better border control.
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