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Xenophobia in South Africa is a social-political ill. Despite the huge xenophobic attack that took place in May 2008, xenophobia still continues to occur. Students from the rest of the continent attracted to South Africa by its excellent social infrastructure and the relative buoyancy of its economy face various challenges in their daily activities. The most salient of this would seem to be xenophobia. A case in point is the female African students at UKZN. Though there has not been any further major attack in the aftermath of the 2008 xenophobic violence, the sporadic experiences amongst, for example, these students, if ignored, may gradually lead to a violent outbreak. This study attempts to capture and analyse the understanding of these students on the subject of xenophobia, their experiences and the probable effects xenophobia has, so far, had on their stay in South Africa. The study also seeks to understand how these students respond to the attacks, elaborates on the gender dynamics of xenophobia and the feelings of xenophilia. Finally, the study presents additional suggestions on how to eradicate xenophobia.

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She is a PHD student in the school of Politics at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN).She holds a Master of Social Science in Politics as well as a Bachelor of Science in the same field. She is generally interested in issues relating to conflict resolution; alternatives to violence, leadership, equality and development.

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