Jewish community has its say on rising xenophobia

The South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD), like many South African civil society and faith groups, is concerned about the worsening rhetoric and threats against foreign migrant communities. We have played roles in responding to the Afrophobia, both on an advocacy basis and by providing practical relief, since this issue became a national crisis in 2008. 

The current uptick in anti-migrant sentiment in the country led President Cyril Ramaphosa to convene a discussion with the faith community to address this serious issue. 

I represented the Jewish community at this important conversation at the Union Buildings. President Ramaphosa, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia, and Home Affairs Director-General Livhuwani Makhode briefed faith leaders about the challenges they are facing and the measures being put in place to address them. Also in attendance were Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, acting Social Development Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, and as other members of the Presidency. 

I was chosen as one of five representatives of faith groups to speak on the specific concerns of their communities. I spoke of the threatening and hateful rhetoric that is currently arising on various platforms, including social media. I raised not only the scapegoating of refugees, but the worrying conspiracy theories that have been circulating. I was referring to libellous allegations made about third forces that have been propagated and repeated by some prominent South Africans. 

I was reassured to hear that, unlike in 2008 and 2021, the government is taking the threats against foreign migrants very seriously. In previous xenophobia outbreaks, the rising hostility and aggression were ignored, and there was horrific violence on our streets. From the briefing, it is evident there are serious moves to avoid an escalation. 

President Ramaphosa acknowledged that the climate of high unemployment, poverty, and hardship in our country exacerbates the situation and is the broader context in which it occurs. 

The openness and directness of the meeting was appreciated, with faith leaders raising practical and real issues that their communities are experiencing. Xenophobia is not an abstract notion but something that is affecting people. 

The forum dealt honestly with the fear and anxiety experienced by South Africans. 

As a leader who was integrally involved in addressing the disasters that occurred previously in our country when anti-migrant hatred was ignored, I felt relieved that now there is a realistic understanding of the situation. What was evident was that the country has activated numerous departments, civil society, and faith-based organisations so the xenophobia is dealt with collaboratively and effectively. 

This is no guarantee that a crisis will be averted. The SAJBD continues to monitor the situation, working with CSO and other communal bodies to put in place any measures should it be required, whether within the community or in supporting those impacted by these threats. 

• Wendy Kahn is the national director of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies.