Football and Xenophobia

We here at SAMGI are wondering whether this recent spate of xenophobic attacks against foreigners will have any affect on the World Cup in 2010.

While the violence is directed against foreigners, of which there will be thousands here for the big game, it stems more from a perceived economic imbalance and hierarchy between refugees who come here seeking a better life and those South Africans who continue to wrestle with lifting themselves out of dire poverty. Pictures of burning black bodies have been posted all over the print and international editions of major publications like The New York Times and BBC. But we have yet to hear anyone question whether South Africa is ready to host what will arguably be one of the biggest international events of the year.

These xenophobic attacks shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. They are not isolated to Gauteng, but often occur in the Western Cape as well.

After 10 days, the death toll has reached 24, there are hundreds injured, and 20,000 people have been displaced. What role will this play in 2010, or will this issue be swept to the side?