Vumbanai for Peacebuilding (VFP) came into essence during the 2016 Xenophobia attacks in the country as they formed part of the Mitigating Xenophobic Violence (MXV) movement funded by USAID through Freedom House South Africa and Lawyers for Human Rights. Based on this background, VFP will always amplify its voice against xenophobic violence and related issues.
For more than a decade, South Africa has experienced periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence, particularly in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Durban, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and other urban centres. These attacks have often targeted foreign nationals from countries such as Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and others. The violence has included looting of businesses, destruction of property, displacement of families, injuries, and loss of life. While these incidents have affected foreign nationals directly, they have also damaged South Africa’s reputation as a nation founded on human rights, equality, and Ubuntu.
The root causes of xenophobic attacks are complex and include high unemployment, poverty, inequality, competition for limited economic opportunities, misinformation, criminality, and frustrations arising from poor service delivery. In some cases, criminal elements exploit community grievances to incite violence and looting. Unfortunately, innocent foreign nationals are often blamed for challenges that require broader social, economic, and governance solutions.
Xenophobia carries serious disadvantages for communities and the nation. It destroys social cohesion, discourages investment, weakens local economies, damages diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries, causes trauma and loss of life, and undermines the values of democracy and human dignity. Many foreign-owned businesses provide goods, services, and employment opportunities within communities, and their destruction ultimately harms both local and foreign residents.
The solution lies in promoting peaceful coexistence, community dialogue, law enforcement, civic education, economic development, and respect for human rights. Communities should work together with government, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, and law enforcement agencies to address crime, unemployment, and social challenges without resorting to violence. Criminal activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, theft, and corruption must be reported to the relevant authorities regardless of who is involved.
Vumbanani For Peacebuilding (VFP) therefore calls upon all residents of Elim and surrounding communities to reject xenophobia and all forms of violence. Let us remain vigilant, be our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, and report unlawful activities through lawful channels. We must not take the law into our own hands. By amplifying our voices through peaceful engagement, community action, and responsible citizenship, we can build a safer, united, and prosperous society where peace prevails and every person’s dignity is respected. Together, we are stronger than hate, stronger than fear, and stronger than violence.