An Assessment of Xenophobic/Afrophobic Attacks in South Africa (2008–2015): Whither Batho Pele and Ubuntu Principles?

ABSTRACT

In 2008, more than 60 foreigners were killed during xenophobic attacks in South Africa. As if that was not enough, the same act was repeated in 2015 when seven people were killed (four foreigners from Africa and three South African nationals). These seemingly politically, socially and economically inspired attacks continue to generate arguments among students of development studies, Third World scholars and by extension, integrationists on the continent. As reasoned by some students of xenophobia, such attacks are couched from a need to maintain the existing status quo, fear of the unknown and an urge to preserve a certain culture and identity. Attempts to achieve these multiple objectives ignore the concepts of globalisation and regionalism as forcefully advanced in the 21st century. Many opine that every state needs immigrants for development, but the incessant attacks on non-nationals is a cause for concern. The intention of this article is to interrogate South Africa’s twin principles of Batho Pele (people first) and Ubuntu (humanity) in the context of these attacks. Integration strategy against hate speech and name callings in line with Chapter 2 Article 16(2) (b–c) of the 1996 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa will be advanced.

Keywords:

• South Africa
• attacks
• xenophobia
• Afrophobia
• Batho Pele
• Ubuntu

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lere Amusan

LERE AMUSAN is the Head and Professor of International Relations, Department of Political Studies and International Relations, School of Government Studies, North-West University, South Africa.

Siphiwe Mchunu

SIPHIWE MCHUNU is a post-graduate student of International Relations in the Department of Political Studies and International Relations, School of Government Studies, North-West University, South Africa.