Locating Xenophobia: Debate, Discourse, and Everyday Experience in Cape Town, South Africa

In May 2008, South Africa experienced an outbreak of violence against foreign Africans living in the country. Political leaders expressed shock and surprise, but there has in reality been long-standing and well-documented hostility toward African immigrants in South Africa. Several competing explanations have been put forward, with debate gaining urgency and polarization since the xenophobic attacks of 2008. After a selective review of the relevant literature to sketch the contours of that debate, this paper presents findings from research conducted with African immigrants living in Cape Town. Their experiences provide further evidence that anti-immigrant attitudes and behaviors on the part of “ordinary South Africans” toward foreign Africans are entrenched and systemic. The paper concludes by calling for further academic engagement and greater political commitment.