Ugandan Woman Endures Hate Crimes In South Africa And Lives To Tell Her Story

Posted by: lukwago J in story July 8, 2023

A Ugandan woman, Nabadda Salma, has recently shared her harrowing experience of surviving hate crimes while in South Africa.

Nabadda, who prefers to go by her first name only, had moved to South Africa in search of better job opportunities and a new start in life. However, she soon found herself targeted by xenophobic attacks, which are sadly common in the country.

Nabadda said that she was living in a township in Cape Town when a group of locals started to harass her and other foreigners in the area. They accused them of stealing jobs and resources from South Africans and demanded that they leave the country.

However Nabadda tried to explain that she was legally allowed to work and reside in South Africa, but the attackers didn’t listen.

Instead, they beat her up, destroyed her belongings, and set her room on fire.

“I thought I was going to die,” Nabadda recalled. “I had never experienced such hatred and violence before. I felt helpless and alone.”

Fortunately, the Ugandan woman managed to escape and seek help from a friend who lived in another part of the city.

She also contacted the police and the Ugandan embassy, who assisted her in getting medical treatment, temporary accommodation, and travel documents to return home.

Nabadda’s story is just one example of the many challenges that migrants and refugees face in South Africa, where xenophobia and discrimination are deeply ingrained in society.

Despite the government’s efforts to combat these issues, including passing laws and launching campaigns, the situation remains dire for many foreign nationals.

Nabadda said that she wanted to share her experience to raise awareness and encourage others to speak up against hate crimes and intolerance. “No one deserves to be treated like this, regardless of their nationality or background,” she said. “We need to embrace diversity and respect each other’s rights and dignity.”

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