UNDICTATED: Steinberg’s masterpiece makes one more nervous about path SA’s following

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Jonny Steinberg is one of South Africa's finest writers. Winner of the Alan Paton Prize for both Midlands and The Number, between writing books, he teaches at Oxford University.I've just finished reading Steinberg's latest work, A Man of Good Hope. It is the story of Asad Abdullahi, one of thousands of Somalis who have been smuggled into South Africa. It was disturbing on a number of levels. In financial terms, South Africa has a proverbial land of milk and honey attraction for other Africans. Only inhospitable natives and the very real threat to their lives in this violent land stops the flood of illegal immigrants turning into a Tsunami.

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.

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