In what seems like a few years ago Africans everywhere and most of the world were in an uproar over the treatment of black Africans by the white minority in South Africa. There were marches everywhere in the world and this writer participated in the march here in the United States—encouraged by a friend from South Africa who had relocated to the United States for safety and in part because he had family that were wealthy enough to send him out of harm’s way. We would have discussions about the plight of the black man and the black experience over the world. I was also quite aware of the issues at the time. In part also due to the fact that in Nsukka where I grew up, there were children in the University community who were from South Africa. Their parents were staff members of the university and some livd with host families within the campus. They were fully assimilated into the community and if they did not tell who and where they were from, no one would know. This was not limited to South Africans but you name the country and they were represented in that community—some are still resident in Nigeria till today. I fondly remember my friend Joe, from the then Togo, who was one of the best athletes I ever knew, who was like a son to my parents. I share this story to give some perspective and understanding of how Africans have always collectively felt responsible for one another through the ages—because of a shared destiny. It was not uncommon for us to look out for one another and in many ways the continent was considered a resource for anyone who chose to make any place their home. What was needed, was an open mind and a willingness to work and sacrifice. We all saw each other as brothers—at least that was my experience growing up and living in and out of the continent.
There are explanations for what is happening in South Africa but it would be an academic exercise to dwell on it. The economy is bad; South Africa has an unemployment rate of 25%, extreme poverty, lack of education, ignorance, misguided traditional institutions, etc. This could be said about almost all African countries. Nothing justifies what is happening. Xenophobia is a common phenomenon and is not unique to South Africa but I have never seen it express itself in such a barbaric manner. And to think, that this round was set off by a traditional Zulu chief who refuses to apologize or call his people to order. These from the same tribe which until Nelson Mandela confronted them, saw nothing wrong with apartheid. I remember very clearly Nelson Mandela’s interview on night-line on his visit to the USA after his release. He exchanged terse words with the then Zulu chief who not so secretly was in support of white rule. I remember Mandela telling him that he was not going to be drawn into a conversation about the issue in public—“we will not wash our dirty laundry in public and on foreign soil”—he said. Mr. Mandela was acutely aware of the ramification of words I believe and its impact on a people. That is what we are now dealing with as we all see Xenophobia in action.
I have never been so sickened or saddened by watching videos and photographs of so many incidents. It is what I call Africans being Africans—playing into stereotypical notions of Africans that goes as far back as 200 years ago. When a mob of people are so aroused that they create mayhem and kill others in the name of hating foreigners, who are there to do nothing but trying to make a living and sustain their families. Though this notion is not cognitively farfetched while real but I still simply cannot wrap my head around it.
Nigeria has been a place of solace and provided sustenance to ALL Africans and not only our own neighbors—especially South Africa. For those who do not know—Nigeria was at the forefront of the war against apartheid morally, politically and financially. So why are we and other Africans being persecuted? The problems of African countries are not unique to South Africa—so why transfer the pain and suffering to others. This must stop immediately. What one person can do, the other can do better. Please stop this madness…please do! God help us all.
Paul Inyang 4/17/2015