Xenophobia: A War of Broken Hearts?

 

Let me tell you something that most people take for granted.

The reason many South Africans fight this so-called African brotherhood promoted by foreigners is not really about jobs. It is not about crime, drugs, or spaza shops. South Africans commit crimes, South Africans own spaza shops, and South Africans also sell drugs.

The xenophobic attacks we see today are, in my view, caused by one thing: love.

When I talk about blood, I mean matters of the heart. Love is the root cause of this whole situation.

Let me explain.

Look at many of the leaders of xenophobic movements and campaigns. From Zandile Dabula to Phakela Mthakathi, Jacinta, and many others, a common pattern appears. Many of them have dated foreigners at some point in their lives. The problems, according to this perspective, began when relationships ended badly and hearts were broken. Feelings of betrayal followed, and personal pain eventually became public battles.

Instead of fighting their personal wars, they began using the country as the battlefield.

Look at how beautiful African women are. Take Zimbabwean women as an example. Their country has often been mocked and disrespected by critics who call them poor, yet many people admire the loyalty and commitment they show in relationships. Once they love someone, they often stand by that person through difficult times.

On the other hand, many people argue that some South African women have become too focused on money. They date whoever has financial resources, regardless of nationality. Some become involved with Pakistani shop owners, while others marry Indian men for financial security.

I want the whole world to know this perspective.

Foreigners did not only come for opportunities; they also entered the dating and relationship space. According to this argument, the competition for love and relationships is what fueled much of the anger that later transformed into xenophobic sentiment.

This is a war of love.

The language of jobs, crime, and resources may be used in public debates, but underneath it all, some believe there are wounded hearts, broken relationships, jealousy, and feelings of betrayal driving the conflict.

If you see a man marching through the streets shouting "Abahambe," this perspective suggests that somewhere, somehow, he may have been hurt by a foreigner in his personal life.

Many people will deny it with their mouths.

But deep inside their hearts, they know the pain they carry.

Whether people agree or disagree, this remains one interpretation of a conflict that continues to divide communities across South Africa.

If you see me I don't have any problem with a foreign person, because we are all humans and we shall all die sooner or later, so living in peace was the only thing makes the enemies of black people hates