Page Title

“ It’s time for a regional response”

Petronilla Ndebele, Communications and Partnerships Manager, Southern Africa Trust reports on a regional meeting on the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The tears flowed unbidden down my cheeks. On my right sat a gentleman I didn’t know: he removed his glasses, placed them on the table and rubbed his eyes. A colleague was on my left: blowing her nose on a wad of tissues, tears welling in her eyes.

We were reacting to the words of Catarina Manungo, one of the victims of last month’s xenophobic attacks in South Africa, as she relived her harrowing experience to delegates from civil society organisations, in Maputo on Tuesday 10 June 2008.

There was complete silence in the room as the delegates listened with deep empathy.

The reason for us hearing Catarina’s story was to map out concrete actions on how to respond to the attacks on immigrants in South Africa, from a regional perspective.

Organised by the Southern Africa Trust in collaboration with the Foundation for Community Development (FDC), the regional conference identified appropriate regional civil society responses to address the situation faced by Catarina and thousands of others.

The conference began with a moment of silence to pay tribute to all those who lost their lives as a result of the attacks and to the thousands who are still living in abysmal conditions in temporary camps, too frightened to return to the communities they once called ‘home’.

"Why are we so angry? How did we come to a point where we citizens are angry with one another and reject one another?" asked Mrs. Graça Machel, the chairperson of FDC.

Some of the key issues that emerged were: the urgent need to help people like Catarina rebuild their lives; give them the options of resettlement, repatriation or reintegration into communities; a need for a regional approach to migration policies; documenting the current experiences and drawing lessons – no matter how hard; focusing on the positive aspects of migration and inculcating a sense of regional belonging and identity amongst all residents of the SADC community.

Where is Catarina now? Click here to find out.

Thousands of words have been written and hours of air time devoted to the causes of xenophobic violence in South Africa last month. The reasons are diverse and most have merit. What this shows however, is that xenophobia is just the tip of the iceberg and unfortunately, it is not going to go away.

The fires may be dampened down for the time being, but as South Africa and the rest of SADC move towards regional integration and a Free Trade Zone (coming in August 2008), the numbers of people moving across borders is going to increase. And with it, the very real threat that xenophobia is going to rear its ugly head again – not just in South Africa - but in other parts of SADC.

A key reason for the recent explosion of anger that has not been articulated clearly, is that we – as a region - have yet to regulate or understand the relationship between regional integration and migration. People move away from political unrest and/or to where there are resources that can provide a better life.

One of the issues that caused the recent attacks on foreigners in South Africa is a lack of effective policies governing migration.

At a very basic level:

* Due to the porous nature of South Africa’s borders, the true numbers of migrants living in South Africa is unknown.

* Because of this, the resources set aside for social services to the poor are insufficient and seriously overextended.

* Government does not have an effective strategy to deal with migration.

* As a country, South Africa does not have a policy to integrate foreigners into society – both those who want to stay permanently, as well as those seeking temporary status.

Whilst a radical thought in the current times, it is important to consider that the benefits of foreign migrants far exceed their costs – provided that their skills are harnessed and managed for the good of the host country. Furthermore, South Africa’s private and public sectors are experiencing massive skills shortages; yet there are thousands of foreigners living in fear, with the qualifications and expertise so critically needed, eking out a living on the fringes of society. The state’s inability to process and incorporate these people is a waste of a valuable resource that could prove to be extremely beneficial to South Africa’s GDP.

However, South Africa is not an island – nor does it want to be one. As the country with the greatest resources, it is natural that people from less stable countries in the region will be attracted. This is not sustainable in the long-term, nor does it bode well for other SADC countries equally determined to reduce poverty and sustain strong economic growth.

To create an environment that ensures stability and sustained growth, southern Africa requires equitable regional integration that works more explicitly to improve the living conditions of people living in poverty in their home countries. Moreover, it is vital that all SADC countries provide fair treatment and integration of migrants – a policy issue that is yet to be formulated. (See box)

SADC needs a broader regional policy, which does not just focus on migration from the perspective of peace and security. The current regional policy on migration in the SADC is integrated into the agenda of the department dealing with peace and security. However, human security needs to be taken into account, which is a much broader perspective than just state security.

These attacks starkly reveal the human tragedy of poverty in the region, coupled with our failure to adequately address the social issues that come with regional integration. Regional integration means more movement of people, money, products, and services across the southern Africa region.

However, the economic and political changes that come with regional integration also have social costs that must be met. If social development policies do not keep up with the pace of regional integration, the poor will become victims of regional integration rather than its primary beneficiaries - and the social problems will intensify.

Do you have a comment on this article? Please email us at:

communications@southernafricatrust.org

Reality Byte:

E-Newsletter : Issue 4, June 2008

Originating from Zimbabwe, Jennifer joined the Trust from the Cape Town based Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC) where she was the acting interim Director, a post she held after being the organisation’s unit coordinator for globalization and alternatives. Previously, Jennifer was the Academic Registrar for the Southern African Regional Institute of Policy Studies (SARIPS). Jennifer holds a master of policy studies degree jointly from the University of Zimbabwe and the University of Fort Hare.

Jennifer is the mother of a teenage son, who enjoys rock music and has converted his mother to listen to some (carefully selected) ‘soft’ rock! She is passionate about Zimbabwean music, particularly Oliver Mtukudzi. In her spare time, Jennifer loves watching movies, (Denzil Washington and Antony Hopkins are particular favourites), reading novels and magazines.

Jennifer can be contacted by email on jchiriga@southernafricatrust.org

Meet the Team

This e-newsletter was sent to you because we believe you are interested in the updates. If you would like to unsubscribe from our e-mailing list, please click here. (communications@southernafricatrust.org)

If this was sent to you by a friend or colleague and you would like to add your e-mail address to our mailing list, please send an email to communications@southernafricatrust.org

The Southern Africa Trust is run by a young, energetic, and diverse team. In each edition of Southern Africa CHANGEMAKERS, we will introduce you to one of our dynamic team members.

The Southern Africa Trust appreciates the support it has received from:

Policy Alert

Partner Links

News from the Trust

Southern Africa CHANGEMAKERS is an e-newsletter for our donors, friends, partners and anyone concerned about the need to overcome poverty in southern Africa. Please feel free to forward this e-newsletter to any of your colleagues who want to see southern Africa transform into a vibrant, caring and prosperous community!

Khanya College is an NGO with a long history of working with social movements and experience with anti-xenophobia work. With the understanding that the attacks against foreigners were largely driven by poverty and desperation, the immediate need was to protect the migrants. Through the Social Movement Indaba, Khanya embarked on a series of political engagements with communities to build solidarity and understanding across national lines.

The Coalition against xenophobia came together on a generally agreed platform. The immediate tasks were to defend immigrant communities; express opposition to the attacks; build solidarity with immigrant communities; and begin a series of political engagements with communities on the sources of the problems of the working class.

Khanya College, as part of the coalition against xenophobia, organised a march against xenophobia on 24 May 2008—the march started in Hillbrow and moved to the centre of Johannesburg. Over 5000 people from all walks of life joined this demonstration against xenophobia` to express their dissatisfaction with the attacks.

The Coalition against Xenophobia is continuing its work of raising awareness on the issue of xenophobia through public and community meetings, media and workshops. Khanya College continues its involvement in this coalition and, as a parallel process, its own anti-xenophobia work.

Visit their website for more information: www.khanyacollege.org.za

Xenophobia— The tip of a regional Iceberg

Khanya College Johannesburg Trust

Get Involved!

"Why are we so angry? How did we come to a point where we citizens are angry with one another and reject one another?"

Mrs. Graça Machel,

Chairperson: Foundation for Community Development (FDC).

10 June 2008

Integration of Migrants:

* Provide fast and efficient documentation for migrants

* Documented migrants receive equal treatment, including law protection, access to economic opportunities and social services

* Educate the host country’s population of the benefits that migrants bring in terms of skills and job creation through entrepreneurial activities

* Provide protection against racism, violence and exploitation

* Educate migrants on the host country’s key political, social and cultural norms

* Early integration is the key to allowing documented migrants to contribute their skills, knowledge and potential to the development of the host country

* Integrate children of long-term migrants, providing them with educational and training opportunities

* Ensure the protection of all undocumented migrants and their families against racism, ethnocentrism and xenophobia, whilst facilitating their safe return home.

Thirteen-year-old Shanyiso Khumalo in tears after her parents’ shack was set alight in Thokoza on the East Rand.

Picture: Simphiwe Nkwali, Sunday Times

Jennifer Chiriga: Coordinator—Civil Society Capacity Building and Policy Dialogue, Regional Poverty Observatory Unit

If we are to prevent xenophobia from gaining in frequency in the future, civil society, business and government urgently need to ensure that regional integration policies are effectively implemented, to guarantee that ordinary southern Africans – and particularly those already marginalized by poverty – are protected and supported.

We can’t do this alone. Please, go to www.change4ever.org and show you care. Help us to address the root causes of hatred and violence against our neighbours.

Giving online

Giving online is one of the best methods for us, as it helps us to keep our costs to a minimum, so that even more of your donation goes to those who desperately need it. You’re only a few clicks away from providing the support that could change lives forever in southern Africa.

Please go to www.change4ever.org and make a difference, now!

Or, you can always do a direct internet banking transaction from your bank account into ours (details are on www.change4ever.org)

Please be sure to put your name in the Reference section and please send a copy of your donation receipt – with your contact details, to info@southernafricatrust.org so that we can accurately register your donation and thank you.

Contact Itumeleng Kgotlagomang on +27 (0)11 318 1012 or email:

ikgotlagomang@southernafricatrust.org if you have any questions about donations.

Not only do we support over 70 organisations and through them , thousands of people living in poverty; we also create awareness of the needs of the poor amongst decision-makers and help to create sustainable, workable policies, so that overcoming poverty in southern Africa becomes an achievable goal, one that will benefit every sector, person and country.

To be even more effective, we urgently need your support. Please go to www.change4ever.org and help us, together with our partners, change the lives of people living in poverty. It doesn’t matter how much you give, every single cent counts.

The SADC Free Trade Agreement is set to become a reality in August 2008, when South Africa hosts all 14 countries in the SADC region. In the light of the recent attacks on people from other countries in Africa, the importance and impact of this agreement on all nations has gained in significance.

Our next issue of Southern Africa ChangeMakers will explore the deeper issues of what a free trade agreement means, as well as the plans for a Customs Union (2010) and a Common Market (2015)

SADC Free Trade Agreement

In our May 2008 e-newsletter, we brought you information on the Human Vulnerability Index (HVI) statistical tool, which the Southern Africa Trust helped develop.

FANRPAN and World Vision have announced the roll out of a two-year HVI project in Lesotho, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. The project seeks to enhance the quality of the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of relief and development programmes in World Vision sites in these countries.

Update from the May edition of Southern Africa ChangeMakers

Upcoming Events

Nominations for the 2008 southern Africa Drivers of Change Awards are open until 4 July 2008. Go ahead, nominate innovators in overcoming poverty in the region!

Please click here for more information

Please click here to submit online

Please click here to download the entry forms

2008 southern Africa Drivers of Change Awards

Southern Africa Trust contact details:

4 Midridge North, International Business Gateway, 6th Road (off New Road), Midrand Ridge, Midrand, South Africa

T: +27 11 318 1012 | F: +27 11 318 0814 | E: info@southernafricatrust.org | W: www.southernafricatrust.org

Trustees: Dr Vusi Gumede (SA), Mr Denis Kadima (DRC), Rev Joseph Komakoma (Zambia), Dr Perks Ligoya (Malawi), Dr Reginald Matchaba-Hove (Zimbabwe), Ms Alice Mogwe (Botswana), Ms Paula Monjane (Mozambique), Ms Shirley Moulder (SA), Ms Lucy Muyoyeta (Zambia), Ms Riah Phiyega (SA), Dr Prakash Ratilal (Mozambique)

In response to the widespread, unprecedented levels of violent attacks on foreigners, the Southern Africa Trust provided support and grants to a number of NGOs, faith-based organisations and social movements that were at the coalface of the attacks in communities. In this issue, we profile 2 of our partners.

Justice and Peace is a faith based organisation in the Catholic Dioceses of Johannesburg, South Africa. They work towards justice, bringing transformation through assisting people to know their rights and promote the dignity of the human person.

The organisation is based in Johannesburg, where there is a large population of foreigners affected by the attacks.

Support from the Southern Africa Trust went towards humanitarian assistance, with the Trust’s grant used for urgent purchase of food, tents, blankets and clothes for hundreds of displaced migrants.

Follow this link for more information on the work of Justice & Peace: http://sacbc.org.za/Site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=62&Itemid=83

Justice and Peace

A mob ready to attack at Ramaphosa informal settlement on the East Rand.

Simphiwe Nkwali, Sunday Times

STOP THE VIOLENCE. STOP THE HATRED

A message from Neville Gabriel, Executive Director of the Southern Africa Trust

Last month’s attacks on people from other African countries in Johannesburg and other parts of the country resemble the worst crimes against humanity that the world has ever seen.

We at the Southern Africa Trust are extremely concerned about the levels of organized brutality and outraged at the scale of human suffering. But now is not the time for blame – it is time for decisive action that will not only stem the violence - but forever change the conditions that caused it.

South Africans living in grinding poverty have many reasons to be angry. They continue to live in terrible conditions, only short distances from the richest suburbs on the continent.

But the anger of the attackers is misplaced, when it is directed at migrants from other parts of southern Africa or South Africa. The problems that cause this outburst of anger are immense, but not beyond our grasp. They include:

* Lack of job opportunities and social exclusion of large numbers of young people in urban townships who are left behind in the scramble for new wealth;

* Rapidly rising costs of food, energy, transport, and other basic needs;

* Slowness in social service delivery and corruption amongst officials;

* Weak local government;

* Gradual decline of civic organizations and the moral authority of political parties amongst the poor: the poor do not feel they have an organized voice;

* South Africa’s social policy is not taking adequate account of the large numbers of migrant people from other countries; therefore, existing resources are stretched to breaking point;

* Inertia of countries throughout the region to decisively address poverty and ensure human security for their citizens; and

* The slowness of our societies to comprehend the scale of human migration in our region and to address it responsibly – governments, businesses, civic groups, and donors alike.

The Southern Africa Trust proudly operates in 15 southern African countries and has a diverse team from across the region. Our vision and values provide a guiding force for us all. We are proud of our diversity: it enriches our efforts to drive down poverty in southern Africa.

Our mission is to ensure that regional integration in southern Africa works to overcome poverty, so that the alarming scenes we - and the rest of the world - witnessed will not get worse in the years to come.

In the context of regional integration, we will continue to work for better food security; a sound environment for job creation and improved livelihoods for the poor; planning for the provision of adequate energy, transport, and water; policy interventions to support informal trading by the poor across borders; more effective community engagement with governments so that the poor have a voice; and better forms of governance that do not exclude large sectors of our societies.

What Can You Do to Help?

It is often difficult to explain to people what we do and why we do it. To learn more about the work of the Southern Africa Trust or to connect with organizations that you can support to help the victims who continue to need help, please visit our website www.southernafricatrust.org. With your help, we can do so much more to create lasting change.

You can be part of our effort. If you think that what we are doing is worthwhile, go to www.change4ever.org and give us your support.

Neville Gabriel

Executive Director

Southern Africa Trust

Reality Byte:

Responding to the Xenophobia Crisis:

The Southern Africa Trust supported a wide range of organizations that responded to the attacks on foreigners last month. We:

* Provided emergency grants to church-based, women’s, and social movements for food, tents, blankets, clothes, and sanitary supplies to people forced out of their homes

* Supported organizations with links in affected communities, to mobilize their members for door-to-door campaigns and community forums.

* We are intensifying our own programmes to ensure that migration and social protection are given adequate policy attention in all the countries of southern Africa.

Observing a moment of silence to pay tribute to those who lost their lives as a result of the attacks on immigrants during a regional civil society conference organised by the Southern Africa Trust and Foundation for Community Development on 10 June 2008. The conference was to assess the regional impact of attacks on migrants from other countries in South Africa and was held in Maputo, Mozambique

Catarina Manungo relaying her traumatic experience at the hands of a mob in Boksburg, South Africa. She participated at the regional conference to identify regional civil society responses to foreign nationals in South Africa.

Tears are flowing

More than 5000 people marched for the inclusion of foreign nationals in South African communities on 24 May 2008. The march was organised by the Anti-Privatisation Forum, The Social Movements Indaba and a coalition of organisations.

Picture: Anti Privatisation Forum

The SADC Free Trade Agreement will soon be a reality.