Did you know that the South African government has committed to combatting racism, xenophobia and related intolerance?
This was confirmed in the government’s National Action Plan to Combat Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. Our #NapMap19 series maps out this National Action Plan and what it means for us all. Click on our infographics to find out more, or read the text below!
Click on the image to navigate through the infographic (on mobile just swipe!)
What is the #NapMap2019 series?
Over the course of 2021, we will be mapping the 2019 National Action Plan to Combat Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance (NAP-19) and what it means for South African society. Our #NapMap19 infographic series will look at:
- What are the nine main aims of the NAP-19
- What does the NAP-19 say about discrimination, and what has been done in South to address it?
- What action does the NAP plan to take and who is responsible?
- How is the NAP-19 being implemented and what can I do?
The NAP-19 is an important tool to prevent and combat racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic and other discriminatory conduct and forms of prejudice that we have been experiencing in our country.
What is the NAP-19?
The NAP-19 is a five-year plan, signed by the South African government, to combat many forms of discrimination in South Africa – including xenophobia.
The NAP-19 sets out – in clear and practical ways – what different people and institutions in South Africa have to do to combat and prevent discrimination and prejudice. There are several laws in South Africa that combat discrimination – so the NAP-19 is not intended to replace these existing laws and policies, but rather to compliment them. The NAP focuses on a wider government and social program of action.
By signing this, the South African government have undertaken, or promised, to put this plan into action. The NAP-19 demands action from the government – but it also demands action from the whole of society.
It requires a whole range of players – including private companies, NGOs, civil societies, the justice, sports sectors and universities – to play their part. It also requires actions from you and me, as individuals, too. We all have a role to play in ending discrimination in South Africa.
What does it say about Xenophobia?
Xenophobia is one of many forms of discrimination that the NAP-19 addresses. The NAP-19 takes a deep look at discrimination in South Africa and sees it from an “intersectionalist viewpoint”. This means that there are many different factors that play a role in the discrimination that one person faces. These factors overlap – and they might be gender, race, class, ability, religion, nationality, sexual orientation.
This is why NAP-19 aims to combat different types of discrimination in South Africa, because each type of discrimination is tied in with the other. The NAP does define xenophobia, however. It defines it as “an unreasonable fear, distrust, or hatred of strangers, foreigners, or anything perceived as foreign or different and is often based on unfounded reasons and stereotypes.”
The NAP-19 also notes that xenophobia can manifest itself in many ways, from victimisation to brutal assaults and murders. To combat Xenophobia the NAP confirms that we must fight together as governments, civil society, both the migrant and local communities and community leaders including traditional leaders, acknowledge and condemn acts of xenophobia, enact hate crime laws, strengthen law enforcement and prosecute offenders of xenophobia.
Who was involved in writing the NAP-19?
Many key players were involved in the development of the NAP-19, including: Government Departments, Chapter Nine Institutions, Civil Society Organisations, Business, and Organised Labour.
How did the NAP come about?
1994: First democratic elections in South Africa in which all citizens could vote.
1997:The Constitution of South Africa came into effect. Section 9 of the Constitution deals with guarantees freedom from discrimination to the people of South Africa. It also confirms that we are all equal before the law.
2001: The World Conference against racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance was held in Durban. 160 countries attended this conference. Here, The Declaration and Programme of Action was adopted by the conference. In this declaration, states promised to establish policies and plans in their own countries to combat various forms of discrimination including racism and xenophobia.
The DDPA urges States to adopt measures of affirmative or positive action to create equal opportunities for victims of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in the political, economic, social and cultural decision-making spheres. The DDPA identified refugees, migrants and asylum seekers – among other ‘priority groups’ that states should prioritise in terms of ensuring protection from discrimination.
2014: In the first 20 years of democracy, 1,200 laws and amendments aimed at dismantling apartheid and eradicating all forms of discrimination were approved by Parliament.
2015: Cabinet approved a draft NAP-19. The NAP-19 was drafted after a participatory process that involved input from various players. This process was headed by special Steering Committee comprising various stakeholders including government departments, Chapter 9 institutions, broader civil society organisations and other relevant role-players. 159 written submissions were made in total. Scalabrini also made submissions.
2016: Further engagements and feedback sessions were conducted.
2019: NAP-19 was adopted and signed by Cabinet. A five year implementation plan was also published.
How can I find out more?
To see booklets, posters and the NAP in several languages, you can check out this site.
