Naledi Crisis Highlights Need for Accountability, Not Xenophobia

The recent tragic deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto, have reignited discussions about food safety, community relations, and the role of foreign-owned businesses in township economies. While emotions run high and fingers are quickly pointed, we once again witness the scapegoating of migrants – a ploy to divert attention away from those truly responsible: the state, particularly local and provincial government in Gauteng.

Understanding the context

The immediate response should have been to prioritise and focus all resources on establishing the facts that led to the tragic loss of these children. Once the facts are established, the state must allocate resources to address the problem based on evidence – not hearsay, and certainly not through random, xenophobia-fueled actions. Broad sweeping ‘raids’ on foreign-owned spaza shops, motivated by prejudice rather than evidence, are unlawful and dangerous. These raids often involve police brutality, disproportionately targeting the most marginalised in our communities.

Adding to the ongoing investigation, environmental health practitioner Lucky Chiangise on the 22nd of October 2024 confirmed that no toxic chemicals were found in the snacks believed to have caused the deaths during an interview with eNCA. He stated that investigations into the cause of death are ongoing and emphasised the need for more resources to properly address the situation. These early findings reinforce the need for a measured, evidence-based approach rather than a hasty and harmful rush to blame foreign nationals.

The compliance question

Contrary to sweeping allegations of non-compliance, recent inspections tell a different story. Johannesburg’s MMC for Health confirmed that the shop in question had been inspected in August and was found compliant with regulations. This highlights the danger of drawing premature conclusions before investigations are complete. Blaming these tragedies on small business owners, particularly migrant-owned shops, ignores the broader systemic issues that truly need to be addressed.

Addressing the real threats

It is nothing short of cowardice that foreign nationals are blamed for the deaths of these children. Communities must unite and focus their efforts on holding the real culprits of non-compliance accountable – the big food industries. South Africa recorded the world’s worst listeriosis outbreak, and Tiger Brands was found negligent. Let’s not forget that Tiger Brands’ Enterprise Foods factory in Polokwane was identified as the source of the outbreak that killed 218 people and sickened more than 1,000 between 2017 and 2018.

We call for united action to hold the food industry accountable. There is undeniable evidence of their negligence and liability in the deaths of poor, working-class community members. Companies like Tiger Brands prioritise profits over lives, with the blood of the listeriosis victims on their hands. The food industry in South Africa is one of the most profitable, yet millions face starvation daily, unable to afford basic food items. This is what is killing our children in townships and informal settlements – not migrants.

Shifting focus: tackling root causes

While migrants are blamed, contributing to the criminalisation of predominantly black African people, we are also contributing to the criminalisation of poverty. The root causes of these issues – unemployment, poverty, and economic inequality – remain unaddressed. Without systemic change, cycles of violence and xenophobia will persist.

A call for accountability and protection

Rather than blaming foreign nationals, we must organise our communities to hold local government authorities accountable. We must demand protection for all workers, whether in the informal economy or formal employment. This includes state provisions for health and safety protection and investment in ensuring that food outlets adhere to health and safety standards.

Let’s direct our efforts towards creating lasting solutions – by holding the real culprits accountable and ensuring safety for all, instead of allowing repressive, hostile actions against poor people – and black African people – to continue unchecked.

Mike Ndlovu is a media organiser for Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX)