The concept of Xenophobia is typically used to describe fear or dislike of foreigners or in
general, people different from one's self. Xenophobia is generally, the dislike or intolerance of
foreigners. This fear or dislike may be attributed to competition for scarce resources,
employment, housing, services, facilities and even simple physical space. This can result in
violence, resentment, hostility and abuse both verbally and physically of the foreigners by the
locals. The current politico-social and economic situation in some parts of Africa has resulted in
large numbers of citizens leaving in search of greener pastures. This situation has particularly
been worse for Zimbabwe, from which many people have migrated over the years to South
Africa, Botswana and Namibia and the rest of the world. Due to proximity to Zimbabwe, SADC
countries have become hosts to these fleeing immigrants. The immigrants in the initial stages are
welcome but as the influx increases they are met with a lot of hostility. Past studies in Southern
Africa generally have established that most locals tend to be usually intolerant of outsiders, at
times accusing them of contributing to the escalating crime rate and spreading diseases. These
feelings are spread over the local community and they cut across age education, gender and
economic status. Immigrants both legal and illegal have been accused of taking the jobs of locals
and contributing to the lowering of wages. These sentiments are not only expressed by the
members of the public but also at senior government levels and at times are even reflected in
official documents.