Coming together: Foundation CEO Achmat Dangor greets SAPS spokesperson Director Govindsamy Mariemuthoo
April 9, 2008 – A need for sensitivity around the use of language when reporting on foreigners in South Africa was highlighted after a short but intense dialogue held at the Nelson Mandela Foundation today.
The Foundation convened a one-hour discussion, in collaboration with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), to discuss the use of language when reporting on foreigners in South Africa. In particular, the dialogue looked at how misinterpretation of these reports and the use of certain language could fuel xenophobia.
The conversation, involving representatives from the media, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and the Emergency Management Services (EMS), discussed whether reporting of issues involving foreign nationals fuelled tensions between South Africans and foreigners. It was recognised that the use of language can fuel negative stereotypes of foreigners living within South Africa’s borders. Examples of highlighting a person’s nationality as a negative trait were brought up during the dialogue.
Members of the media discussed their role at the dialogue
The aim, said the Foundation’s CEO, Achmat Dangor, was “not to blame the media, but to create a safe space in which to engage in open dialogue”. He added that perpetuating Nelson Mandela’s values is not just the promotion of tolerance, but “of valuing the other”.
It was particularly appropriate to hold the dialogue at this time, said SAHRC chairperson Jody Kollapen, as the economic downturn would most likely force more people from other African countries to come to South Africa.
The role of language, in highlighting protagonists’ nationalities, as a potential catalyst for violence was frankly debated and the consensus was that the media, the police and emergency services needed to work more closely together to prevent reports from stigmatising foreigners in South Africa.
From left: SAHRC CEO Tseliso Thipanyane, Nelson Mandela Foundation CEO Achmat Dangor, SAHRC chairperson Jody Kollapen and the Foundation’s Information Communications Manager Sello Hatang
The Nelson Mandela Foundation and the South African Human Rights Commission committed to convening a more substantive Dialogue on this and related issues in the near future.
Any organisation interested in participating in further discussion about this issue, please email nmf@nelsonmandela.org.