2015 Xenophobic Violence in South Africa and the Impact on Children and Families

In 1988 and then again in April and May 2015 South Africa experienced intense waves of intense xenophobic violence. Armed with a range of weapons, groups of adults and older children targeted the homes and businesses of... [ view full abstract ]

In 1988 and then again in April and May 2015 South Africa experienced intense waves of intense xenophobic violence. Armed with a range of weapons, groups of adults and older children targeted the homes and businesses of foreign nationals, including immigrants and refugees, looting, burning, injuring and killing. Many families with children fled all that they owned in terror and took refuge in churches and hastily set up refugee camps.

The disruptive impact on children and families was considerable – not just on the families that had to flee for their lives, as well as the children exposed to this violence.

This paper will describe the impact on children and families and recommendations for the care and protection of children affected by the violence as well as possible primary prevention strategies to build tolerance and acceptance of others.