Xenophobia conflict in De Doorns; a development communication challenge for developmental local government

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Xenophobic hostility is not an unfamiliar concept – it is practiced all over the world, also inSouth Africa. Defined by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) as adeep dislike of non-nationals by nationals of a recipient state, it constitutes a violation ofthe human rights of a targeted group, threatening the very principals upon which the youngdemocracy is modelled on. What distinguishes xenophobia in South Africa from the rest ofthe world is its violent manifestation. In this country xenophobia is more than just anattitude, it is a violent practise, fuelled by racism, intolerance, ignorance and incapacity todeliver on developmental expectations.The 2008 xenophobic attacks in major centres in South Africa stunned the local andinternational communities, causing researchers to rush in search of answers. Just as thefurore turned into complacency, on 17 November 2009, 3000 Zimbabwean citizens livingin the rural community of De Doorns in the Western Cape were displaced as a result ofxenophobic violence. Reasons for the attacks vary, with some blaming the contestation forscarce resources, others attribute it to the country's violent past, inadequate servicedelivery and the influence of micro politics in townships.In assessing the reasons for the attacks the study claims that the third tier of governmentin terms of its Constitutional developmental mandate fails to properly engage withcommunities on their basic needs; that its inability to live up to post-apartheid expectationstriggers frustration into violent xenophobic action. The De Doorns case offers valuableinsight into the nature and scope of the phenomenon in rural areas, highlighting localgovernment's community participation efforts in exercising its developmental responsibilityand dealing with the issue of xenophobia.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University