The xenophobia attacks in South Africa have left many people in shock, mainly the foreigners who have been directly affected. Many have lost their homes and all their possessions they worked so hard to get. More than 50 people have lost their lives during these attacks. There is a serious humanitarian crisis taking place in South Africa, with thousands of people having been displaced and now they do not know where to go.
Hundreds are leaving South Africa daily to go back to their home countries. They have clearly had enough of South Africa and would rather go back to their own countries than be treated like animals in South Africa. For some, they are asking the question, “Do I go back to my home country? Or do I stay in South Africa?” What will be awaiting them in their home country? Chances are they left their home country to seek ‘greener pastures’ in South Africa. Now those green pastures have turned into seas of blood caused by the xenophobia attacks. For some they think it is best to go back home and rather suffer there than suffer in South Africa.
On the other hand there are those who still want to stay in South Africa and earn a living in South Africa and they should be allowed to. The government has to do all they can to make sure that those who decide to stay are safe and these xenophobia attacks are stopped. This is easier said than done. Now that that seed of xenophobia has been planted in the minds of many in South Africa, both locals and foreigners, it will be difficult to get rid of it. The foreigners will never forget what has happened in the last two weeks in South Africa. Chances are that foreigners will no longer be comfortable living in South Africa and will always be looking over their shoulder in fear. Is this the kind of situation we want in South Africa? No!
There have been many comments posted on InTheNews.co.za by people from all walks of life, commenting about the xenophobia attacks and out of the hundreds of comments received, there has not been a single one supporting these attacks. The majority of South Africa is very upset about these attacks with many wondering how this situation can be resolved. It is certainly not a resolution that can happen over night.
Is has been reported that the attacks have subsided now, but the major issue now is, ‘what next’? How are the thousands displaced going to be handled? It is not just a matter of moving them back to where they were as many would not feel safe going back to where they were chased away from violently. Many have decided to go back to their home countries but what of those who want to stay? The government may have thought they had it tough during the attacks but now the true test for them now is, how to move forward?
