SA needs to tackle xenophobia: SAHRC

South Africa needs to get more involved in assisting the Southern Africa region overcome its economic and social challenges, as a means of combating xenophobia. Jody Kollapen, the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) chair, says this would help reduce the factors that force people to leave their home countries for our shores.

Kollapen has expressed concern that xenophobia is on the increase in South Africa. Last year saw a spate of attacks on Somali nationals in various parts of the country. Many South Africans also have the impression that foreigners are to blame for crime. Kollapen says the country's citizens are still coming to terms with the change brought on by democracy.