By Kylie M Tsudama
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – The United Nations refugee agency condemned the latest xenophobic attacks in South Africa.  According to the UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) this is the first large-scale xenophobic attack on refugees and asylum-seekers in a year and a half.

“We have moved quickly to help the displaced,” said Andrej Mahecic, UNHCR spokesperson.  “They are now awaiting the outcome of negotiations with local farmers who attacked their homes on Tuesday, accusing them of stealing their jobs by accepting cheaper wages in vineyards.”

Competition for farm jobs has sparked xenophobic attacks at squatter camps in the Western Cape town of De Doorns.  The South African Red Cross has asked for humanitarian aid to protect and shelter some 3,500 foreigners, many of whom are Zimbabweans.

Zimbabweans living in South Africa have been accused of stealing the work and bread of nationals by underbidding for farm labor and other employment.  At least 62 were killed in the violence and more than 2,500 Zimbabweans have been displaced because of this violence.

“This time we are dealing with a problem caused by the exploitation of migrant workers by both labour brokers and farmers in the affected province,” said Deputy Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba.  “We have learnt that the farmers favour employing migrant labourers so that they can pay them very little, while labour brokers fleece the same employees by taking away as much as two thirds of their monthly salaries for organizing those jobs for them.”

He added, “The exploitation has alienated the migrant community from the locals, who are now not being employed because they do not accept the exploitation.”

The International Red Cross Society has begun to provide assistance.  The local government, however, has said that it will not provide any aid deferring all responsibility to the local municipality.

Those who have fled say that they still fear for their safety and would not be returning anytime soon.

For more information, please see:

The Zimbabwean – SA Government Blames Xenophobic Attacks on Labour Brokers and Farmers – 21 November 2009

BBC – UN Condemns South Africa Attacks on Zimbabwe Workers – 20 November 2009

UN News Centre – Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa Draw Condemnation From UN Agency – 20 November 2009

VOA – Anti-Zimbabwean Sentiment in South Africa Rises With Unemployment Rate – 19 November 2009