Three Contributing Factors that Led to Xenophobia in South Africa , Xenophobia (from Ancient Greek: ξÎνος (xénos), “strange, foreign, or alien”, and φόβος (phóbos), “fear”) is the fear or dislike of anything which is perceived as being foreign or strange.
It is an expression which is based on the perception that a conflict exists between an in-group and an out-group and it may manifest itself in suspicion of one group’s activities by members of the other group, a desire to eliminate the presence of the group which is the target of suspicion, and fear of losing a national, ethnic, or racial identity.
Xenophobia in South Africa stands out for its particularly violent nature. According to Witwatersrand University’s Xenowatch, xenophobic attacks resulted in 669 deaths, 5,310 looted shops, and 127,572 displacements between 1994 and March 2024.
Three Contributing Factors that Led to Xenophobia in South Africa: (Life Orientation). In a transforming and democratic society, personal and individual needs have to be placed in a social context to encourage acceptance of diversity and to foster commitment to the values and principles espoused in the Constitution.
Discrimination on the basis of race, religion, culture, gender, age, ability and language, as well as issues such as xenophobia and other forms of discrimination, are addressed. This focus area also deals with social relationships and other human rights and responsibilities. It is important for learners to be politically literate, that is, to know and understand democratic processes.
The importance of volunteerism, social service and involvement in a democratic society are emphasised, and the causes, consequences and prevention of pervasive social ills, such as all forms of violence and abuse, are addressed. Particular attention is paid to social and environmental issues (including HIV and AIDS). Knowledge of diverse religions will contribute to the development of responsible citizenship and social justice.
List of Three Main Contributing Factors that Led to Xenophobia in South Africa
- The abuse of the laws of a country by immigrants.
- Employment Deficit : (Foreigners’ competition with Citizens over employment).
- The incite of citizens of a country against the foreigners in that country by their leaders(political, religious, traditional, organizations and others).