Xenophobia refers to the irrational fear, distrust, or hostility towards individuals from other countries or cultures. It often involves prejudice and discrimination against foreigners, based on their nationality, ethnicity, or perceived differences. Addressing xenophobia is essential to fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their background.
Xenophobia in South Africa is deplorable. The Road Freight Association has lamented the tragic loss of more than 200 foreign truck drivers since March 2018. This distressing situation must be addressed urgently, as it stands as a clear violation of the fundamental human right to life.
It is inhumane to note the attackers are drivers from the All Truck Drivers Foundation (ATDF). In response, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said that the root cause of the crisis is the “oversupply of foreign drivers in the industry and that some of the drivers are undocumented.”
Truck drivers say xenophobia needs to be punished
The reports of the stabbing of Zimbabwean Tinei Takawira remain scary. Another Zimbabwean said, “A group of men, about 20, stood in the middle of the road in Wit bank and forced me to stop my truck. They demanded to see my licence, shouting that all foreign drivers must fall.”
A Zambian said “… When the men stopped me, there were police trucks parked nearby, and the police officers watched, but they did not come to my assistance”.
A Malawian added, that “the men stopped him and demanded that he hand over the truck keys or die on the spot…”. Another Malawian sustained serious facial injuries. These included a broken jaw, split lips, and a broken nose. Sadly, he was also dismissed after the incident under negligence. A Zimbabwean suffered from severe injuries while he was asleep in his truck. A petrol bomb was thrown at his truck. That set it on fire.
Human Rights Watch’s findings
They did research in Johannesburg, Mpumalanga province’s Witbank town, and Durban and Pietermaritzburg, both in KwaZulu-Natal province. They found out that 18 out of 23 foreign drivers had legal South African work permits.
It is inappropriate for Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to simply indicate awareness. And not provide an action plan to increase protection for foreign drivers. 91 alleged attackers were arrested, according to Police Minister Bheki Cele. He said, “We will let the law take its course because we cannot negotiate on such acts of criminality,” but they have not been.
A South African truck association, Positive Freight Solutions Forum, has recorded 75 incidents. On May 31, PFSF sought an injunction from the Pietermaritzburg High Court against the ATDF. However, ATDF’s lawyer, Zwe Luthuli, denied the association’s involvement in the attacks.
One local truck driver told HRW that targeting trucks alone was not enough. This is because some companies had insurance and could get new trucks. Hence, the need to directly attack and burn foreign truck drivers.
Local drivers sang disparaged songs referring to foreign truck drivers. They called them “Makwerekwere”(a derogatory term that references the accent of African foreign nationals)at a rally. Some displayed ATDF banners that said, “Foreign Drivers Must Fall.”
Dismissed drivers did not receive advance notice, compensation, or an explanation for their dismissal. Others said that companies, including in Durban and Johannesburg, have posted signs indicating that they have no jobs for foreign nationals.
Recommendations
The organizing secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Truck Drivers Association responded. Mr. Edward Muchatuta confirmed they are providing legal support to 39 foreign truck drivers. Cape Town-based TimeLink Cargo dismissed these people on May 22.
Southern Africa Human Rights Watch Director, Dewa Mavhinga responded. She said “South African authorities should urgently intervene to stop the unlawful, unprovoked, and violent attacks and harassment of foreign truck drivers and bring the perpetrators to justice. Any problems in the trucking industry, including undocumented drivers, are for the relevant authorities to address, and there is no defense for committing such violent, horrific crimes.”
South Africa needs to promulgate policies that provide security and safety for foreigners. The needs to be an end to xenophobic actions toward migrants worldwide.
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