Geography & Environment Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2010
Volume
56
Issue
3
Journal
Africa Today
First Page
2
Last Page
22
URL with Digital Object Identifier
DOI: 10.2979/AFT.2010.56.3.2
Abstract
In May 2008, South Africa experienced an outbreak of violence
against foreign Africans living in the country. Political
leaders expressed shock and surprise, but there has in reality
been long-standing and well-documented hostility toward
African immigrants in South Africa. Several competing explanations
have been put forward, with debate gaining urgency
and polarization since the xenophobic attacks of 2008. After
a selective review of the relevant literature to sketch the
contours of that debate, this paper presents findings from
research conducted with African immigrants living in Cape
Town. Their experiences provide further evidence that antiimmigrant
attitudes and behaviors on the part of “ordinary
South Africans” toward foreign Africans are entrenched and
systemic. The paper concludes by calling for further academic
engagement and greater political commitment.
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