Our jobs: The South African’s way of taking them

Pain, anger, cries, smoke, blood and gunshots rented the air in some cities in South Africa. In past weeks the world has been treated to an ugly scene of what the “South Africans” have labeled taking it back forcibly what belongs to them.Apparently the main reason given for the attacks is that the locals feel their jobs have been taken by a majority of foreigners thus relegating them to a minority position in the society yet they have the full rights as natives of the Nation. 

It is not the first time this is happening because in 2008, about 60 foreigners were killed in the first reported xenophobic attacks. My heart bled watching what is happening in South Africa, the lives lost, destruction of properties and businesses. My teary eyes could not watch any longer of videos and photos emanating from media and individuals capturing the incidences.Is it an escapism way to their laziness and dependence on handouts. 

Who do we blame? Is it the education system failure to equip them with skills they can utilize instead of relying much on what they can get freely? One of the victims a Ghanaian was quoted saying “I came to South Africa and did lots of menial work that many of the black South Africans will not do. I saved and bought myself a sewing machine. I now repair clothes for very many people both local South Africans and other immigrants like myself, they willingly come to me. I am now accused of taking someone’s job, please explain to me whose job have I taken? I have not stopped anyone from buying sewing machines and setting up one next to me. Even if I was to go back to Ghana, I want to assure you that the black South African attacking us will not become a tailor, it is not a cool profession according to them and they will stay unemployed.” 

Is it a failure by the national government to address the real issues affecting their people? Experts believe that what is happening to the South Africa society is an economic anger built over time and the lack of the current government addressing and tackling the issues. Politically some factions will run away with the situation in order to pin down the current government failure to contain the situation. 

In ignorance, the damage the attacks are causing to their economy is great. The South African brand has been damaged and their pride has been taken away from them making the world perception about them be different. The years spent building the national and international brand has been destroyed overnight. In principle the work the government has in restoring confidence to foreigners and investors is enormous. 

Everyone needs to remember that nearly all violence starts with one careless remark or word. It is alleged that the Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini said at a recent gathering that foreigners "should pack their bags and go" because they are taking jobs from citizens. In South African culture kings are mostly ceremonial figures in the nation and they are influential in their communities. What the Zulu King said will haunt him and history will judge him harshly.