Xenophobic attacks and mass deportations in SA are different sides of the same coin

Whilst the world is still shocked and overwhelmed by the heartless, barbaric and inhuman violence meted on foreign nationals in South Africa, the well calculated second segment of the deplorable plan has rolled into second stage.

Every sovereign state and nation has the right to who comes into their landmass and borders but by default South Africa has partially forfeited this right by merely refusing to acknowledge the existence of a political, economic and social crisis in Zimbabwe. The act of propping up and relentlessly supporting an ailing dictator and his unruly regime has created a serious problem for the South African economy, the social infrastructure and the health delivery systems.

Lest it be a subject for another day.

Soon after the indespicable acts of violence which the South African government resolutely took very lightly, follows mass deportations.

This scribe has taken a tour around South Africa meeting foreign nationals who expressed mixed feeling about the xenophobic attacks which were closely followed by the mass deportations of undocumented foreign nationals.

Speaking from Port Elizabeth, Mr. Webster Matutu Mari a well-respected Zimbabwean politician castigated the status quo as criminal and inhumane. "I am shocked at what is going on in Africa's youngest democracy. During the xenophobic attacks, the government flatly failed or intentionally refused to deploy the army but they are now deploying the army to flush out the remaining foreign nationals. It seems the army could not be used to stop criminal activities but it is worth to use it against defenseless and vulnerable foreign nationals."

There seems to be a general mistrust between the wider expatriate community and the host government. "The plan to deport us was well planned. It seems the person who planned the xenophobic attacks is the one who planned the mass deportations. It is clear that during the xenophobic attacks, the thugs destroyed documents of foreign nationals and immediately after, the authorities are after those without papers. Even a dull person can easily see the clear link between the two activities which in the truest sense is a combo, "decried Dr. Tyanai Masiya a Zimbabwean academic based in Capetown.

Firebrand MDC T politician, Mr. Rodrick Magaisa did not mince his words when quizzed on the possile link between xenophobic attacks and the ongoing mass deportations going on around South Africa, "It doesn't need any full colour thinking for one to clearly see the link between the two. The criminal element is being orchestrated from the ground by the ordinary person whilst a state process is there to put an icing and a seam of legality to this criminal programme. The police and army failed to arrest the people who looted during the disturbances but they seem very keen to arrest people who are earning an honest living. How does sending Rita Tshabalala to Chiendambuya help South Africa? Should Tangai Marufu be send to be killed by the Mugabe regime? It defies sense for someone to destroy the papers one has then charge the victim."

Precious Mutete an migrant who has made a living as an entrepreneur bemoaned the corruption and inefficient service at the Marabastand home affairs Refugees Reception Centre. "There has been an upsurge in the number of people frequenting the refugees' office since the xenophobic attacks. Some looking frail and hungry – we normally help then with food and transport fares. The service is very slow and organized corruption rules the roast. Many are here trying to replace their documents that were destroyed during the xenophobic violence whilst a few a first timers."

The issue of undocumented people in South Africa seems to have been exacerbated by the just formally ended xenophobic attacks. It is vital that the government puts some consideration especially with regards to those who lost their papers during the ruthless pandemonium as suggested by Lovejoy Natalie Tembo a foreign national who immensely worked with the UNHCR and other NGOs to help the victims of the xenophobic attacks. "We appeal to the minister of Home Affairs and the government at large to put a moratorium on the ongoing xenophobic deportations. This nation is seriously sick and needs time to heal. A lot of people lost their legal residence papers and source of living therefore a grace period has to be there for them to reapply and regain their living."

The South African economy owes much to the expatriate brigade that has done and contributed much to the wellbeing of this country. Despite the taxes paid, a few are classic examples of foreign nationals driving the economy. It is Lawrence Siwela from the dusty ghettos of Harare who lights up the cities as an electrician, it takes the commitment of Tinashe Chifamba for people to eat, Bongani Mathe has reduced crime and created employment as a security company boss. Without the sweat of Rodrick Chimombe there would be timber shortages and never the less, Stanly Mutambiranwa serves the community with his sprawling retail chain whilst Albert Zinhanga puts the right academic software into some empty vessels!

Wangu - Mine
Finally I have got Mine - Ours!!!!!!!
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