Xenophobic Attacks On Black Non-South Africans In South Africa: The Communication Imperatives

Abstract

Although xenophobia is typically defined as a “hatred or fear of foreigners” (South African Pocket Oxford Dictionary of Current English, 1994) or a “strong fear or dislike of people from other countries” (Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, New Edition, 2003), the concept goes beyond this. Research evidences have established
xenophobia as a feeling of dislike and hatred by locals which often results in “intense tension and violence against its foreigner-victims (Kollapan, 1999; Tshitereke, 1999; and Harris, 2002). In advocating a re-writing of the dictionary definition of xenophobia, Harris (2002: 170) notes as follows:
It [xenophobia] is not just an attitude; it is an activity. It is not just a dislike or
fear of foreigners: it is a violent practice that results in bodily harm and damage.
He also goes on to propound a refinement of the definition of xenophobia in such a way as to include its specific target, because, as he rightly observes:
in South Africa, not all foreigners are uniformly victimised. Rather, black
foreigners, particularly those from Africa are the target and they “comprise the
majority of victims.”.

IFE Psychologia – Special Issue: Xenophobia Vol. 16 (2) 2008: pp. 105-121