Somalis in South Africa
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| (100,532 (Somali-born residents)) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Johannesburg · Durban · Cape Town · Pretoria | |
| Languages | |
| Somali · Arabic · English | |
| Religion | |
| Islam |
Somalis in South Africa are residents of South Africa who are of Somali descent.
Overview
Following the civil war in Somalia that broke out in 1991, a number of Somalis emigrated to South Africa. They soon established themselves in the commercial sector, creating employment opportunities for themselves and opening their own stores.[1]
Somali businesses have offered goods to customers at lower prices than their local competitors, cornering the market in many areas.[1] By 2010, Somali entrepreneurs provided most of the retail trade in informal settlements around the Western Cape province, among other places.[2] Somali-owned convenience shops selling products like snacks, soft drinks and clothing have been especially successful.[3]
In 2008, xenophobic riots against immigrants broke out in the Western Cape province, displacing some 20,000 foreign nationals. The Somali community's insular nature reportedly helped protect it from the worst of the violence. However, many Somali-owned stores and supermarkets were destroyed and looted.[1]
Concurrently, Somali traders and establishments have become increasingly targeted for violence and robbery. The willingness of many Somali merchants to work anywhere, including run-down townships, has further exposed them to potential dangers.[4] Although South African business people envious of the Somalis' entrepreneurial success have been blamed for fomenting the hostilities, most of the incidents have been linked to criminals and "tsotsis" working on behalf of local community leaders.[2]
Culture
Somalis in South Africa have formed a unified ethnic network, largely keeping to themselves. A Muslim population, they marry within their own community and have also sought to preserve their culture. Their different customs, physical appearance and religious background have additionally served to distinguish them from other residents.[1][2]
Community organizations
The Somali community in South Africa is represented by the Somali Association of South Africa (SASA), chaired by Hanad Mohamed. According to the organization, following a greatly ameliorated political situation in Somalia in 2012, some Somali immigrants have started again repatriating back to their native country for the first time in ten years.[4]
Some Somalis in South Africa are diplomatically represented by the embassy of Somalia in Pretoria.[5] But others come from Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya and Somaliland.
The Somali Embassy claims to protect the interests and rights of Somali expatriates in the country, to tap into new commercial opportunities for Somali businesspeople, and to strengthen diplomatic representation in the region.[6]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 "SOMALIA-SOUTH AFRICA: Foreign competitors not welcome". IRIN. 17 October 2008. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- 1 2 3 Ivor Powell, Lavern de Vries (14 July 2010). "Local xenophobes still plague foreigners". IOL. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- ↑ Simao, Paul (13 February 2007). "27 held after anti-Somali riot". Reuters. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- 1 2 Honorine, Solenn (28 November 2012). "Somali Refugees Struggle in South Africa". VOA. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
- ↑ "Foreign Representatives in South Africa". Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of South Africa. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
- ↑ "Somalia Sends First-Ever Ambassador to South Africa". VOA. 23 July 2013. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
External links
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