STEVEN FRIEDMAN: Some politicians benefit from the effects of xenophobia
Few, if any, politicians and public figures who dump on immigrants admit to harbouring prejudice
Why does this country’s political class complain when people on the ground attack immigrants? Because it hates competition. It is becoming clear that one of the few issues on which the entire political spectrum is agreed is that it is good politics to beat up on immigrants. The trailblazer in the current wave of prejudice is Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba, who regularly blames immigrants for just about everything — his best effort was his claim that the home affairs department needed to act because illegal mining was threatening Soccer City with collapse. His party, the DA, shares his view that people who are not born here are a threat; inspired no doubt by Donald Trump, it is making border security a key element of its message to voters this year. Dumping on immigrants is, however, no DA monopoly. Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi has blamed the state of the public health system on foreign nationals who, he claimed, were increasing infection rates in public hospitals. To the left...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.