In recent years 2008 and 2009-Xenophobic attacks have increasingly escalated, becoming a significant area of concern predominantly in the ever-swelling entry of foreigners into South Africa. Several elements are responsible for the Xenophobic attacks witnessed in South Africa over these two years, especially the widespread 2008 attacks committed by some South Africans against African immigrants and locals. According to Nell (2009: 234), reasons for Xenophobic intolerance often focus on three types of factors:(a) Interactive factors related to the amount of exposure inhabitants have to strangers (b) Cultural factors which include identity and nationalism (c) Material or economic factors related to employment opportunities, available resources, etc.

The specific nature of such attacks, mostly directed at foreigners, impinges on the security of society and highlights the degree and nature of violence in South Africa as a whole. Considering the fact that South Africa successfully emerged from decades of racial exclusion in the apartheid regime to that of democratic equality and recognition, poses a multiplicity of questions as to why Xenophobia should occur