In search of greener pastures, there has been an influx of immigrants from Zimbabwe to South Africa. This has fuelled inflammatory sentiments of racist xenophobic tendencies from those who feel that the foreigners are exerting more pressure on the already stiff competition for resources and opportunities. The media is awash with heart-wrenching incidents involving racist, xenophobic acts directed against Zimbabwean immigrants in South Africa. Some of the most prevalent forms of racist xenophobic violence endured by Zimbabwean immigrants in South Africa include exploitation in the workplace, being targets of crime, murder, including being burnt alive, as well as intermittent threats to revoke their special work permits. Our chapter notes that although there are stories of migration in the Bible, racist xenophobia is not explicitly addressed. It foregrounds that the church identifies with migrants, and it is envisioned as a community of sojourners, with heaven as their outbound. Hence, we argue that while the church awaits transition, her endowed prophetic voice must challenge social evils. Data for this work were gathered through a review of existing literature. The chapter concludes by discussing proactive lessons the church can use to deal with racist xenophobia.

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Race, Xenophobia and the Role of the Church in South Africa: Lessons from Zimbabwean Immigrants

  • Nomatter Sande,
  • Sophia Chirongoma

摘要

In search of greener pastures, there has been an influx of immigrants from Zimbabwe to South Africa. This has fuelled inflammatory sentiments of racist xenophobic tendencies from those who feel that the foreigners are exerting more pressure on the already stiff competition for resources and opportunities. The media is awash with heart-wrenching incidents involving racist, xenophobic acts directed against Zimbabwean immigrants in South Africa. Some of the most prevalent forms of racist xenophobic violence endured by Zimbabwean immigrants in South Africa include exploitation in the workplace, being targets of crime, murder, including being burnt alive, as well as intermittent threats to revoke their special work permits. Our chapter notes that although there are stories of migration in the Bible, racist xenophobia is not explicitly addressed. It foregrounds that the church identifies with migrants, and it is envisioned as a community of sojourners, with heaven as their outbound. Hence, we argue that while the church awaits transition, her endowed prophetic voice must challenge social evils. Data for this work were gathered through a review of existing literature. The chapter concludes by discussing proactive lessons the church can use to deal with racist xenophobia.