The man in flames

Critical Arts, July, 2009 by Bhekimpilo Sibanda

If xenophobia is encouraged, who knows where it will end. Before we know it, we could be racing away from a raging racist fire. Who knows which colour would survive that inferno? Stop it now. What is important is that we move forward. In order to do this, attempts to educate people about others through the media must be intensified. The USA, faced with a similar situation a few years ago, used a multipronged strategy, including a once-off legalisation of those immigrants already in the United States; in some instances, specific period permits of six months or so which are easily available, may minimise illegality. I gather that these are in use on certain farms in South Africa. In the meantime, it is correct for the South African government to avoid the 'group closure' route which isolates immigrants, and for South Africans to mind the way we use our language.

May the burning image of Mr. Mhamuave become a defining moment for us, not only of South Africa's ultimate shame, but a moment also to propel us to a greater understanding of all humankind.

Reference

Sunday Times. 2008. Man inflames. News and Opinions, 8 June.

Bhekimpilo Sibanda is professor of Communications at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa. bksibanda@yahoo.com