UNDICTATED: Steinberg’s masterpiece makes one more nervous about path SA’s following
South Africa is a dangerous country for immigrants. Especially so for Makwerekweres. It was a shock to read how easily my countrymen turned on Somalis, callously murdered those they previously embraced for bringing them services and products. Somalis are often killed without remorse and in the knowledge that there were no consequences.
In our interview yesterday Steinberg offered another side. Saying that the Somalis were only here for the money. And they fall outside of a well understood code between native South Africans, black and white, who get to earn money off the poor in acceptable ways. Perhaps. But much of what Asad tells Steinberg in this superb book strikes an uncomfortable chord. As an outsider's perspective is wont to do. Steinberg's book opens a window into our complex society's myriad of unknown challenges. I feel better informed for reading it. But a little more nervous about the path the nation is following.
Yesterday's top stories: