South Africa, xenophobia and the media

The politics and coverage of xenophobia in South Africa; and TV regulation in the UK ahead of a contentious election.



A recent upsurge of violence against foreign nationals in South Africa has raised contentious questions about how to talk about the issue in the media.

When the influential King of the Zulus, Goodwill Zwelithini, was quoted as saying that foreigners "should pack their bags and go" many saw it as a precursor to the attacks which have mainly been targeted at migrants from other African states. The king has refuted these allegations and says that the media have taken his words out of context.

Others too have singled out the media for blame. South African President Jacob Zuma, has said emphasising the "xenophobic" nature of the attacks casts the country in a bad light. The question remains of whether the media are fulfilling their responsibility to prompt the government and the South African people to face tough questions about inequality and jobs.