The influence of xenophobia on the social and psychological wellbeing of black non-South Africans in South Africa.
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Date
2020
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zululand
Abstract
Background: The violent incidents continued to occur throughout South Africa, with traumatic attacks reported in six other provinces in 2008. The South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) mobilized hundreds of volunteers and staff from 35 local branches throughout the country in order to provide relief to those affected by the violence. In a briefing of the diplomatic community by the Minister of Safety and Security in Pretoria in 2008, it was stated that there over 4,661 incidents and that 519 people had been arrested. The study sample comprised 69 research participants who
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were targeted at the University of Zululand, and foreigners who were found in rural and urban areas which were hardest hit by xenophobia in the past two to three years. It comprised of 22 males and 47 females. Aims: The study investigated the influences of xenophobia on social and psychological wellbeing of black non-South Africans in South Africa. The aim of the study was to determine the influences of xenophobia on the psychological wellbeing of black non-South Africans. Method: In this study, the researcher used qualitative and descriptive survey research to explore and describe the experiences of people who have experienced xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Data was collected through an interview schedule. Responses from the research participants were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) (Version 25). Results: Findings of this study revealed that black non-South Africans remained with mental disorders such as depression, or anxiety due to xenophobic attacks. Most research participants also indicated that anxiety, as a psychological disorder, was one of the lasting effects of xenophobic violence. There is a persistent fear that a re-occurrence of xenophobic violence will shatter the tenuous calm. Many black non South Africans have packed their few remaining belongings and left volatile areas. Conclusion: Information obtained from research participants was considered to be sufficiently substantial to warrant analysis. The research methods employed provided answers to the most basic questions posed in the study, and assisted the researcher in his analysis of information obtained from participants.
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Zululand, 2020.
Keywords
Racism, Xenophobia