Xenophobic Attacks on Foreign Nationals in South Africa: A Threat to International Relations

Abstract

This study examines the concept of discrimination based on Xenophobia, and its history as well as the factors that led to its growth in contemporary South Africa. Migration of people from other African countries and outside African nations has been on the increase since the end of apartheid in 1994. The increased migration also led to increasing in hostility towards immigrants, especially towards Africans from other nations, particularly West Africans but mostly Nigerians because of the perception that they are criminals and are to be attacked and deported. This study explains the political, economic and socioeconomic implications of xenophobic attacks on foreigners and the best approach to managing the huge inflow of migrants into South Africa. The study also examines the perceived role of government agents such as the police; the statements of government officials; and the opinion of leaders who offered insight into the audacity of attackers.