The 2008 and on-going xenophobic violence in South Africa has left thousands of people displaced and humiliated. Many families have lost loved ones; most often the breadwinner in their family. Those who have lost their lives in the most brutal and unjust way are too quickly forgotten. Almost no one – including the South African government – has done anything to significantly acknowledge or apologise to the families, let alone offer any solace or help.

There is also not enough being done to tackle the root causes of this violence in the communities where this phenomenon occurs.

Registered NPO, AFRIKA AWAKE, was formed in January 2013. It is made up of individuals who have in different and numerous ways been actively involved in documenting, exposing and assisting those affected by this violence since 2008.

We cannot overlook locals in the affected communities who too need upliftment opportunities and help to heal and grow.

With the assistance of a number of organisations and individuals including BMF students and members of MCB as well as Gift of the Givers Foundation, we have been able to focus on helping survivors as well as the families of those killed in the violence.