SA at risk of a repeat of 2008 xenophobia crisis
4 September 2019
Mob violence in Johannesburg and elsewhere in Gauteng highlights once again the consequences of governance and economic failure.
In common with several previous outbreaks of mob violence – notably the deadly 2008 riots that claimed 62 lives – the current wave seems to embody a strong element of xenophobia. The premises of foreign businesspeople appear to have been a particular target.
In this respect, it must be noted that senior figures in leadership positions at municipal, provincial and national levels have made reckless comments which could stir hostility. A mere week ago, Gauteng premier David Makhura indicated that his administration intended to stop foreigners from operating particular types of businesses.
However, the IRR cautions against ascribing the ongoing violence solely to xenophobia. Rather, as it argued in 2008, what is at play is a toxic brew of frustration caused by unmet socio-economic aspirations, rising unemployment, grinding poverty and failing service provision.