Xenophobia and Islamophobia: The new face of South African politics
South Africa’s xenophobic politics is taking an increasingly Islamophobic turn, writes Dr Imraan Buccus. He argues that rhetoric once focused on migrants allegedly taking jobs or using public services now includes warnings about Muslim dominance, an Islamic invasion and Sharia law.
South African politics is increasingly driven by xenophobia and Islamophobia, with far-right groups like March and March targeting migrants and Muslims. Migrants are blamed for various issues, including unemployment and social breakdown, while Muslims are accused of threatening national culture and religious identity. The language has shifted from concerns about job competition to warnings of a "Muslim takeover" and the introduction of Sharia law.
This shift has been driven by figures like Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma and Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, who have employed Islamophobic rhetoric to expand their anti-migrant agenda. The xenophobic and Islamophobic narratives are intertwined, with migrants and Muslims increasingly portrayed as threats to national security and cultural integrity.
This dangerous shift in South African politics challenges democratic principles, threatening the rights of citizens and civil society organizations alike.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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