Xenophobic Assaults and the South African Economy and Society Since 1994

Abstract

Abstract Xenophobia is not a recent theme in historical studies. However, the attempts penned by academics to analyze the phenomenon are sparsely centered on the economic aspect of the assault. In this way, the study fills a historical gap accentuated by extant literature on the subject. Using primary sources in corroboration with secondary sources of data, the study attempts a description of the South African economy and the migrations and roles of different races to South Africa to enhance comprehension. It posits that competition for limited resources between the natives and immigrants from other countries results in xenophobic violence. It is said that xenophobic incidents in South Africa have negatively affected the country’s trade ties with the impacted nations. In actuality, it has diminished the communities and the victims’ economic power. The eradication of xenophobic assaults in the region under study is finally predicted. The article concludes that xenophobia has damaged South Africa’s reputation in international forums.