Almost all nations of the continent (Africa) currently have
internal issues of their own. Gambia with political
instability, Libya and terror issues, Nigeria on economic
crisis, Burkina Faso struggling over invading Islamist
militants, Mozambique with wealth inequality, Congo and
the rest with different issues. But much bigger and currently
attracting global focus is the reoccurring xenophobic
attacks in the South Africa.
It is no news that these attacks actually started from
internal issues which the South African government failed to
resolve. Issues like unemployment rate among the citizens,
believed unequal distribution of wealth, dominance of
foreigners in the best zones in the society, lack of good
foundational education etc. The question to be asked is are
these enough reasons for the attacks on foreigners? Oh, I
guess the South Africans are too quick to forget that one
their economy driving force is their foreign investment in
different countries in Africa, it is time the people realise that
the continuation of this act could instigate fear and revenge
on their citizens and investments outside their borders.
Here we have a saying that when a goat has been chased to
the wall, it turns back to fight. Though, you are raged over
the pains, the poverty, the lies, the discrimination and
segregation but the approach of resolution should be more
diplomatic. Launching xenophobic attacks, I would say, be
careful of what you wish for.
I want to emphatically stress that the South African
government have definitely failed the continent and not just
her citizens. South Africa unlike other nations is the
structural giant of Africa. A nation that has about 4
universities among the top 10 best universities ranking in
Africa but yet, fails to educate her people. A nation with a
buoyant economy strategy home and abroad but still, her
populations starve in the face of unequivocal distribution of
wealth.
Let the Government know that the day is still young for them
to write their wrongs. Get down to work, correct what needs
to be corrected before it is too late.
After the recent occurrence on February 5, 2017 in the
suburb of Rosettenville, Johannesburg, which involved
attacks against foreigners including Pakistanis, Nigerians,
and other Africans, The High Commissioner of South Africa
to Nigeria was being summoned to the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs during which government’s concerns on the matter
was been brought to his attention.
The Ministry urged the South African government to take the
strongest measures to protect the lives and property of
foreigners living in South Africa. It also urged South Africa
to bring to justice the perpetrators of the `heinous crimes’
against other nationals in the country. That is simply the
face of a drum I am sure the South Africans and their
Government are not prepared to listen to neither dance to
its beat.
Right now, I would say expect nothing, only if this heinous
act is subsided. Nigeria Government is yet to take actions
because it is yet to be forced to, same as other powerful
nations whose citizens suffer same fate. They should
always remember they have families, friends (citizens) and
investments outside the shores of South Africa, protection
of the foreigners among them is protection for their people
who are also immigrants in other nations.
After the incident that took place between March to May
2015, I could not but wonder why the media was been
accused of fueling the problem, "You guys in the media
manufactured stories. Social media and some of the
mainstream
media houses manufactured stories."- Ndabezinhle Sibiya,
a spokesman for KZN
premier's office said.
"So somehow social media had contributed to the
perpetuation of xenophobic sentiment and the flaring of
xenophobic violence," Ngubane stated.
January 2017, the body of a young Nigerian businessman
based in South Africa was sent home to be laid to rest,
according to his brother he was a victim of the xenophobic
attack. Would social media users related to this person
keep quiet? While foreigners are been killed, are the media
expected to be silent? These attacks are not just war
against the immigrants but also against the world and the
media. But at this point, South Africans most especially the
government should know that they are yet to see to real
power behind media.
Different families are left to mourn and the media is
expected to be silent.
Experience have revealed over time, wars fought through
media are always won by the media.
When the media start, nations like Nigeria would be force
into action.
The Government should therefore act fast before external
forces set their stage.
The media would play the beat, the government of Nations
affected would do the singing while the South Africans
might be forced to dance to it. Lessons should have been
learnt from Jammeh of Gambia and from Mali transition.
Let the government take steps to aid the quick resolution of
the problem;
1. The need to realise apartheid system is over, the
government should therefore bridge the difference between
the rich and poor, the white and the black, the literate and
illiterate.
2. Educate the citizens on the need of foreign relationships
with the country and the benefits.
3. Provision of social amenities even to the grassroot level
for the benefits of everyone.
4. Reduction of unemployment rate among the literates, the
semi-literates, and illiterates.
5. Housing scheme should be done as a matter of urgency
for the citizens, to ease the strenuous process of owning a
house.
6. The armed forces of the country also need to be educated
and strengthened.
7. Peaceful coexistence should be promoted
These are few though, but a good way to start.
I therefore make a plea to both the South Africans and the
Government to put a stop and not a pause to this to avoid
hassle.
Let the clamour for peace stop at nothing, for when rage is
let out of its cage our world would be in shambles.
God bless Africa!

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