Xenophobia in South Africa

[Maxine Fine]

Everyone in South Africa is shocked by the sudden wave of hatred that has caused 50 or more deaths and many thousands of people to have to leave their miserable dwelling places. The newspapers and talk radio are full of the horrors. Though people blame lack of border control, and the notion that foreigners are often seen to be criminals or are taking jobs that should be done by South Africans and the fact that foreigners are often prepared to work for lower pay, many people believe the deep reason for Xenophobia is poverty.

The plight of the very poor is getting more and more dismal as prices rise and jobs decrease. Grinding poverty, fear, anger. Its not an unfamiliar transition. If you want to know more, The Mail and Guardian newspaper in South Africa has really good coverage. Their website is www.mg.co.za.

The big question is what to do about it both short term and long term. The camps now accommodating refugees are not a long term solution. Can people be reintegrated into their ex-communities? Do they want to? Some say they want to go home. How to deal with the rage of the xenobhobes? The situation is complicated because criminals are taking the opportunity to ply their trade. Where does genuine fear and desperation end and opportunism begin? Its hard to separate them. The obvious answer is look after the poor people. But what Western government is serious about that? It would seem the South African government is definitely not.

Interestingly many groups are united in deploring this situation and trying to help, mainly the foreigners but some see the need to help the desperately poor who vent their rage on the most convenient victims. Buddhist and, of course, members of other religions and rallying their members to help. This is encouraging.
What can be done?

[Dharmavidya]

In the short run one can show solidarity with the poor and opposition to the violence. Public statement is not worthless, especially when it is joined by influential people. Then one can, sometimes, help the victims in direct ways - medical, aid, shelter, friendship. The whole thing, however, also needs a longer term view. I have just been reply to a post on the Buddhist Economics group. The issue in economic terms is how to produce a measure of security within which decent economic activity that will meet needs for food, shelter, services and goods, can take place and how can people be given a sense of community. What people see as an influx of outsiders makes them frightened and that is when savage impulses can come to he fore. Community building is a gradual process. We build Buddhist communities, but these need also to be generous in outreach to the ambient society. In one sense you cannot make a community for somebody else - it has to be their community - but friendship and support helps.

[Modgala Duguid]

It is not easy and we can feel helpless and not able to help. however if we can be calm and peaceful in the midst - that can help. if we can listen when we get the chance to hear someone's story that can help. If we can tell the stories and raise awareness that can help. If we can provide a good space for people to find refuge that can help. These are sparks of light that can keep the vision of a better world alive. If we can be there and not fall into denial and despair we can be amida's hands and feet. Namo Amida Bu
with love
modgala