What's behind South Africa's violence against foreigners? | Inside Story

South Africa is once again dealing with a level of violence that’s shocked many inside the country and abroad. There have been days of looting and attacks, mostly targeting foreign-owned businesses in cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria. At least 5 people have been killed and police have arrested hundreds of suspects. The African Union has condemned it as a ‘despicable act’. President Cyril Ramaphosa says, ‘xenophobic’ attacks will not be tolerated and are ‘totally unacceptable.’ But some South Africans blame foreigners for the lack of jobs and economic opportunities. Several African nations are now advising their citizens to exercise caution while in South Africa. So, can this violence be contained? And is politics at play?