Xenophobia in South Africa: the perspectives and experiences of African international students at the University of KwaZulu Natal (Pietermaritzburg campus).

Abstract

Xenophobia is a problematic issue that has affected the social, economic, and political atmosphere in South Africa. The end of apartheid and the new democratic status of South Africa have brought substantial economic, social, and political changes that continue to affect the issue of migration in the country. After the apartheid transition, South Africa faced an increase in its migrant population from African countries. A substantial rise in xenophobia and numerous attacks on foreigners have accompanied this increase in migration. This study examines the issue of xenophobia in South Africa based on the views and experiences of African international students at the University of KwaZulu Natal (PMB Campus). This study employs a qualitative approach to collect in-depth and personal experiences and views of African international students at UKZN. The study uses semi-structured interviews by interviewing a total of [33] participants, [17] African international students, [16] local students, and [1] representative from the international office. This study uses convenience, purposive, and snowball sampling techniques to recruit the participants, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data collected from the selected participants. This study adopts [4] theoretical frameworks due to the complex nature of xenophobia in South Africa; these include scapegoat theory, isolation hypothesis, biocultural hypothesis, and power conflict theory as the main analytical tools to examine the nature of xenophobia in South Africa and institutions of higher education based on the views and experiences of African international students at UKZN. The findings of the study revealed that the nature of xenophobia within institutions of higher education is covert xenophobia, which is a form of discrimination that is disguised and subtle rather than public or obvious. Covert xenophobia discriminates against African international students through often unnoticeable or seemingly passive methods, and it is expressed in xenophobic attitudes and discriminatory practices. It is not expressed in violent attacks like in the South African communities. The study reveals that African international students experience xenophobia on campus through discrimination, institutional exclusion when seeking employment or scholarships/funding, stereotyping, language barrier, isolation and social exclusion from campus activities, and fear of reporting xenophobic practices. However, most of the participants stated that on campus is a much better space than the nature of xenophobia experienced off campus, which is more intense and violent in nature. The findings reveal that African international students face a high level of xenophobia off campus, especially in the healthcare sector, for example, in public hospitals and public clinics, in such a way that some choose to self-medicate to avoid going to clinics of hospitals. The study recommends that it is essential for universities and governments to address these issues by implementing policies and programs aimed at promoting integration, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Educational institutions such as UKZN should offer resources and support for students who experience xenophobia and actively work to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or nationality. This study recognizes that xenophobia in South Africa is a complex issue that transcends national boundaries. Therefore, the author advocates for a collective effort by African states to find sustainable solutions to this African problem. By highlighting the need for African nations to work together, the study positions itself as a proponent of African-based initiatives and interventions tailored to the unique socio-political landscape of the African continent. The study recommends that by fostering a sense of shared responsibility within Africa, the researcher encourages the development and implementation of strategies that reflect the various perspectives and experiences within Africa, eventually contributing to a united and effective response to the issue of xenophobia in South Africa and institutions of higher education such as UKZN.