Blog – Hate Crime / Xenophobia

A concerted effort is needed to prevent attacks on foreign-born migrants ahead of this year’s local elections.

Politicians are pushing anti-immigrant messages and policy ahead of next year’s local government elections.

Social cohesion has frequently been used in government policy documents in South Africa since the late-1990s. Be that as it may, there have been very few detailed analyses of the direct and indirect linkages between social cohesion and violence. That said, in the South African literature on collective violence, particularly those publications relating to vigilantism, violent community protests, and xenophobic violence, research findings have broadly implied that shared community grievances and prejudices about wellbeing, inadequate government services, and the erosion of social control may have contributed to social cohesion with the creation of specific activist groups and social movements.

The changes proposed in the Refugees Amendment Bill are arguably an attempt to narrow the content and scope of refugee protection in South Africa and, in some respect, limit the rights afforded to asylum seekers and refugees. This piece discusses why the Refugees Amendment Act is so terrible and what effect will it have.

Crime affects us all in South Africa. However, crimes committed against minority groups such as foreign nationals, specific religious minorities, or people with disabilities are distinct from those committed against other South Africans. Yet, South Africa does not have specific hate crimes legislation. This piece seeks to emphasise why this legislation is necessary.

In many countries, migration has also consistently been framed in the context of combating crime, where migrants are portrayed as criminals and ‘illegal’, furthering the process of ‘othering’ of migrants

Statements by Gauteng’s police head promote xenophobia and could provoke violence against foreigners.

The complexity of challenges facing various communities, especially in urban centres today, requires all concerned community members and stakeholders to seek solutions through constructive engagement. Research and dialogue with active community stakeholders has identified the need to build social cohesion with the aim of achieving shared community goals. The Peacebuilding Team in Khayelitsha Site C aims to mitigate violence and resolve conflict. On 27 July 2017, the Peace Building Team facilitated a dialogue which enabled community members to identify and discuss the challenges they face and help communities work out solutions for themselves.

A progressive agenda around migration is critical for making South African cities safe for all, says Siphelele Ngobese (South African Cities Network). It is a key consideration in thinking about the growth, stability and future of cities.