Xenophobia burns Johannesburg
Over the last few days, certain areas in Johannesburg (in lower income-earning communities) have been on fire – literally. The issue? Xenophobia. Disgruntled South Africans, apparently fed up with foreign nationals “taking their jobs and opportunities”, took to the street to demonstrate their dissatisfaction. A coordinated swarm of “locusts”, looted shops (ironically destroying many South African businesses in the process as well) and torched businesses.
What are the issues?
Well, there are apparently two main issues expressed which that have been expressed as the triggers in this latest cycle of violence against foreigners. Firstly, allegedly, foreigners are behind the deterioration of the country: 1) Foreign nationals are to be blamed for the filth caused by littering and over-population in certain neighbourhoods. 2) Foreigners are the cause of a resurgence of drug-related criminal activity. 3) Criminals are responsible for all manner of heinous violent acts. Secondly, foreigners take advantage of opportunities “earmarked” for citizens and burden the infrastructure that is only meant to serve S.A. nationals.
Where does this mentality come from?
South Africans peddling these arguments and subscribing to this mentality are most common among the disenfranchised majority. Many that hold these views are not well-traveled (which brings exposure and perspective) and not well-read. They are feeling the pinch of an economy that is barely managing a 0.7% growth (2018) and are frustrated by the government’s failure to deliver on its many lofty promises. The result is a powder-keg of discontent that requires an outlet. Naturally, history has shown that the outlet will usually end up being the “other” they don’t identify with or understand. As we argue here, the multi-cultural, multi-ethnical and multi-lingual nature of our continent is simultaneously its greatest strength and challenge. But deeper than that, besides the current economic conditions that exist, this line of thinking traces back to systematic programming that has occurred over a period of decades – no, centuries.
Divide and Conquer
A divide and conquer strategy, also known as “divide and rule strategy” operates in business, politics, and sociology. In this strategy, one power fractures another into smaller, more manageable fragments in order to maintain control over each smaller and weaker unit. It generally takes an industrious power to execute such a strategy. In order to successfully “break up” another power or government, the implementor must have access to either political, military, or economic machines or a combination of all three PLUS media control.
A large part of the activities of the controlling entity revolves around working to keep the fractured divisions from uniting. The theory here is that it is much easier to prevent smaller groups from linking forces in the first place. A united and aligned group of people, especially organised into a community or (better yet) an organisation with clearly defined rules, methods to resolve disputes and social indispensables, is harder (and more expensive) to break up. One primary method used very effectively in the South African context was deprivation of the freedom of movement.
To Feud or not to Feud?
Leaders who use a divide and conquer strategy may encourage or foster feuds between the smaller, individual groups. This kind of maneuvering requires a deep psychological understanding of the people one wants to manipulate. In order to escalate feuds, for example, one must understand the political and social histories of the parties intended to take part in the feuds. This understanding is even greater when the mentality is the result of the dominating entity’s brain-washing programs (that’s levels).
The strategy also encompasses tactics utilised to control the financial resources of the smaller entities. As an example, through manipulation and misdirection, the controlling entity may cause the smaller groups to make unwise financial decisions. This is often successful if the leaders of the smaller powers have inflated egos and delusions of grandeur (which is sadly true for a large percentage of the continent).
The media plays a huge role in this space as well. Its influence is undeniable. On certain occasions, main-stream media outlets have BROUGHT ABOUT the very conditions they report about. But that is another article for another day.
Colonialism = Divide and Conquer
The divide and conquer strategy has been widely used throughout history. Both the Roman Empire and the British empire played small tribes and groups against one another in order to control their lands and territories. When done right, it results in all the fractured groups considering themselves superior to the others. Colonialism operated on these same principles and was highly successful in its results. We still live with the impact and consequences today: Xenophobia and genocide being the main ways in which it manifests.
Conclusion
Xenophobia in South Africa is just one more of the many indicators of a “colonised mind”. Its presence should galvanize us into action. The continent is in need of ScapeChangers and influencers that can help de-colonize the African mind. We can achieve this not only through skills- and values-transfer in the context of business and industry, but through art and even architecture. (Watch our Scapechangers series on Petite Noir here or subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch every episode.)
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