From 'Murambatsvina' to 'Mabahambe': Xenophobia and the Language of Displacement
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The sight of buses transporting displaced families from a refugee processing center in Cape Town evokes the Zimbabwean term 'Murambatsvina,' which translates to 'clearing out the rubbish.' This term highlights a recurring political dynamic where individuals are first socially and politically marginalized before being physically removed from a location. The author draws a parallel between past events and the current situation, suggesting a consistent pattern in how certain groups are treated. The use of such language, like 'Murambatsvina' and the implied 'Mabahambe' (meaning 'let them go' or 'let them be carried away'), reflects a deliberate framing that dehumanizes displaced people. This linguistic framing serves to detach the broader society from any sense of obligation or responsibility towards these individuals. The article suggests that this process of 'removal' is not merely a physical act but also a socio-political one, where the circle of communal or state responsibility is first narrowed, effectively erasing the perceived need for empathy or assistance before the actual eviction takes place.
The concept of 'Murambatsvina' and its parallel to current events in Cape Town illustrates a persistent pattern of othering and dehumanization that precedes and justifies the removal of marginalized groups. This linguistic framing, which casts people as 'rubbish' to be cleared, serves to circumvent ethical considerations and bypass societal obligations. Such strategies are often employed to manage social anxieties and resource pressures, but they risk exacerbating social divisions and creating long-term instability. Looking ahead, the increasing global mobility and the pressures on host communities will necessitate more inclusive and rights-based approaches to displacement, moving beyond rhetoric that facilitates exclusion and towards frameworks that acknowledge shared humanity and mutual obligation.
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