Photo by: Duane Daws
The ugliest face of South African society was on display for the whole world to see during the recent xenophobic violence, which robbed many hard-working migrants of their dignity, possessions and, in the worst instances, their lives. The attacks also robbed many South Africans of their self-respect and seriously undermined the country’s standing in the eyes of the rest of the continent and the world. The recent display of solidarity in the streets of Johannesburg was heartening. But it’s going to take more than marches to heal the hurt, repair this country’s image and change the hearts and minds of those who still see foreigners as a threat.