South Africa's anti-foreigner violence
What's behind a spate of xenophobic attacks?
South Africa is one of the richest countries in Africa. Its businesses and investments have been a catalyst for growth on the continent and according to the World Bank, African immigrants have made a positive impact on South Africa’s economy. Yet foreign workers come under regular attack in South Africa. In the most recent spate of violence, hundreds of foreign owned businesses were damaged by protestors who said foreigners were taking their jobs. Several people died. The South African government condemned the attacks; but fell short of calling them xenophobic. Others on the continent aren't so sure. From Ethiopia to Zambia to Nigeria the reaction has been fierce. Artists have cancelled events, radio stations have boycotted South African music and hundreds of Nigerians were repatriated to Lagos. Julian Worricker and a panel of expert guests discuss the latest signs of anti-foreigner intolerance in South Africa. Why are immigrants being targeted in the Rainbow Nation and what impact will the negative reaction have on the country?
Last on
More episodes
Previous
Contributors
Loren Landau - Senior Researcher at the African Center for Migration and Society
Nomfundo Mogapi - Executive Director, Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation
Verashni Pillay - South African journalist and editor
Jason Robinson - Senior Africa analyst at Oxford Analytica
Also featuring
SJ Uba -deputy secretary-general of the Nigerian Citizen Association South Africa
Dakota Legoete -acting spox for ANC
Photo
Broadcasts
- Fri 13 Sep 201908:06GMTBBC World Service
- Fri 13 Sep 201923:06GMTBBC World Service
- Sat 14 Sep 201902:06GMTBBC World Service Australasia & Americas and the Caribbean only
- Sat 14 Sep 201903:06GMTBBC World Service except Americas and the Caribbean & Australasia
Podcast
![]()
The Real Story
Global experts and decision makers discuss, debate and analyse a key news story.


