11/04/2023 November 4, 2023
Xenophobia is nothing new to South Africa, but experts warn attacks on foreigners could rise as nationalist campaign rhetoric heats up.
The self-appointed civilian army patrolling the streets in South Africa's Soweto Township had one aim only: To drive out foreigners. A mob made up of people supporting the anti-immigrant group Operation Dudula stormed into so-called Spaza shops run by foreigners in the village of Diepkloof, where they harassed owners — inspecting the sell-by dates on their products and threatening to close the shops.
Victress Mathuthu, who is from Zimbabwe, was one of those targeted by xenophobic Black South Africans. "If the members of Operation Dudula are dissatisfied with foreign nationals being granted licenses to run small businesses, they should address the government or the relevant ministry.
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