Lessons for South Africa: How Zambia Prevented Xenophobia

This research paper by Isaac Nkama examines how Zambia's educational and political strategies under Kenneth Kaunda pre-empted xenophobia, contrasting these efforts with the recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa. The author argues that South Africa lacks a long-term strategic intervention and a curriculum that teaches citizens about the support other African nations provided during the struggle against apartheid.

• The government of Kenneth Kaunda implemented a compulsory subject called Civics starting in Grade 4 for all public and private schools to prevent xenophobia from childhood. This curriculum taught students about regional history and the racism and apartheid in South Africa, which fostered empathy toward refugees and ensured the government's position on the freedom struggle was supported.
• Zambia made significant material and strategic sacrifices to support the freedom struggle after its independence in 1964. These included providing scholarships and university places to freedom fighters—at one point accounting for 25% of the intake at the University of Zambia (UNZA)—as well as providing free medical care, transport, and accommodation. Additionally, the government provided Presidential security to Oliver and Adelaide Tambo by having them live at State House.
• To avoid importing and exporting through South Africa and Rhodesia, Zambia and Tanzania (under Kaunda and Nyerere) collaborated with China to build the TAZARA railway line from Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi, which was completed in 1975 at a cost of USD$500 million.
• The author identifies several gaps in South Africa's approach to preventing xenophobia, noting that there is no mechanism in school curricula to educate citizens on the role other African countries played in the struggle against apartheid. He suggests the creation of a Presidential Working Group on Xenophobia comprising local and foreign stakeholders to provide pre-emptive advice.
• The author argues that prominent black Africans in South Africa contribute to the problem by shielding or appearing apologetic about their origins, which perpetuates the perception that coming from other countries is negative.

APA

Nkama, I. (2015). Lessons for South Africa: How Zambia Prevented Xenophobia. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/research/lessons-for-south-africa-how-zambia-prevented-xenophobia/

Chicago

Nkama, Isaac. Lessons for South Africa: How Zambia Prevented Xenophobia. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2015. https://saiia.org.za/research/lessons-for-south-africa-how-zambia-prevented-xenophobia/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Nkama |first1=Isaac |title=Lessons for South Africa: How Zambia Prevented Xenophobia |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=22 April 2015 |url=https://saiia.org.za/research/lessons-for-south-africa-how-zambia-prevented-xenophobia/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{nkama2015lessons, author = {Nkama, Isaac}, title = {{Lessons for South Africa: How Zambia Prevented Xenophobia}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2015}, month = apr, url = {https://saiia.org.za/research/lessons-for-south-africa-how-zambia-prevented-xenophobia/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }