Foreign nationals have been left relatively unscathed by sporadic experiences of xenophobic violence and crime that followed the Football World Cup in some parts of the country.
Foreign nationals have been left relatively unscathed by sporadic experiences of xenophobic violence and crime that followed the Football World Cup in some parts of the country.
Pakistani and Bangladeshi spaza shop owners in and around Joza agree that they have experienced some hostility; mostly crime. They say that xenophobia is not much of an issue in Grahamstown and agree that their communities are friendly and often help them if they are the victims of crime or harassment.
“The community here is going to support each other,” says Irana Alum of All Come Cash and Carry, referring to times of hardship within his area. “All the families know you and they help you sort out issues like crime,” he said.
Emmerentia Shahzad of Shahzad Cash Store says that when their shop was burgled, she and her husband Amir received help from the community to identify the perpetrators.
However, Akhter Hossain of the Evergreen Mini Store said that, “some people come in and tell me to go back where I come from.”
Similarly, Aksa Arshad of the Muhammad Store says she has experienced people asking her “when [she is]moving out because the World Cup is over.” This kind of behaviour is ongoing and she hasn’t noted much change during or after the World Cup.
Other owners agree.
“It’s the same. Before and after,” says Rajul Karome, the owner of the Royal Shop.
