COVID-19 exacerbates anti-immigrant prejudice and discrimination

Mass demonstrations against systemic racism have broken out across the world in reaction to the unjust and tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of police in the United States. This outpouring of cross-national solidarity with the African American community has prompted calls for greater self-reflection on anti-black violence. Many South Africans including members of national government have voiced support for the protesters, the Black Lives Movement, and expressed their desire for systematic reform in America. However, their silence about the prejudice and discrimination faced by foreigners living in South Africa is worrying. We need to push back against such bigotry and intolerance.