Xenophobia and crime : foreign nationals awaiting trial in a South African prison
The recent spate of crimes, allegedly committed by foreign nationals in South Africa, has prompted some South Africans to blame crime in general on foreign migrants. Drawing on annual statistical analysis of inmates within South African prisons conducted by the Department of Correctional Services, this research reflects on the increase of foreign nationals in South African Prisons since 2005. Furthermore, media reports, namely newspapers, television and radio, have alluded to the increase in the levels of xenophobia among many South Africans. In this research, interviews were conducted with prison officials and awaiting-trial foreign national prisoners at Medium A, Westville Prison, Durban, South Africa. Against the background of overcrowded prison conditions, the violence that emerges from South African society and the dearth of proper statistics, the question solicited is: Are these claims of crimes committed by foreigners in South Africa true or mere speculation? The findings of this research indicate that some foreign nationals do commit crime in contrast to the myth that most foreign nationals are offenders. The experiences of awaiting-trial foreign national detainees are documented in order to add their voices to the debate on crime, migration and xenophobia in South Africa.
‘The Scarlet Letter F’: Foreign Nationals Struggle for Inclusion in South Africa and Against Hate Crimes
the “xenophobia is based on existing racist, ethnic, religious, cultural or national prejudice, a xenophobic attack is a result of human nature Abstract ‘Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrica’-God bless Africa, ‘O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho’-end all wars and tribulations. South Africa’s national anthem venerates all of Africa in its very first verse, the anthem dispels attitudes of war and disunion, yet South Africa still closes its doors to foreign nationals, particularly foreign nationals from other African countries. The South African constitution has been designed to uphold equal rights, freedom, fairness, and righteousness, however the implementation of these rights and responsibilities has been meagre. Xenophobia in South Africa remains a constant and grave problem. Xenophobic sentiments have been fuelled by stereotypes supported by false assumptions which stem from political leaders, media reports and feelings of entitlement. Foreign nationals are subject to hate crimes and are excluded due to the stereotypes levelled against them and are subsequently victimized. This treatise aims to create awareness about the extent of ill-treatment that foreign nationals face once they enter into the country, the research is meant to highlight the two leading stereotypes levelled against foreign nationals, namely, the assumption that foreign nationals are responsible for the high crime rates and level of unemployment in the country and how hate crimes against foreign nationals have been consistently rising due to negative, false perceptions. Xenophobic sentiments are unpacked in this study, it is hoped that this research and particularly the research findings will be informative and will encourage responsiveness to the beginning of the end of xenophobia.
The Diminishing Role of Social Work Administrators in Social Service Agencies
ABSTRACT The social service industry in the United States has experienced tremendous growth and change since the early 1970s. Unfortunately, the social work profession has not kept up with this growth and change. This article explores several issues that have emerged in social work administration that may contribute to the seemingly diminished role of social workers in administrative positions in social service agencies. They include the role that schools of social work play in educating social workers for administration, competition for administrative positions in social service agencies, and the differences which exist between administration in social service agencies and other types of organizations.