[Re]-presenting knowledge: The Coverage of Xenophobia Research in Selected South African Newspapers 2008-2013

Abstract

Recurring xenophobic attacks on perceived foreign immigrants stand out as one of the major setbacks on South Africa'senvisaged 'rainbow' nation discourse. These attacks remain a topical issue in, academic, media, social, economic andpolitical circles. While a significant body of literature explores the coverage of migration and xenophobia issues in the SouthAfrican mainstream press, studies examining media coverage of xenophobia research from research institutions are scarce.This study explores the [re]-presentation of xenophobia research findings in two popular South African newspapers: theMail& Guardianand theSowetanfrom 2008 to 2013. The study utilizes a qualitative research approach. Findings show that thetwo analyzed newspapers uncritically picked up stories and purveyed them without a strong base facilitated by empiricalresearch. In essence, empirical research findings were selectively utilized to 'authenticate' or legitimize convenientideological positions. Finally, a clear tension between discourses of 'empirical knowledge' and 'popular perceptions'; was evident in analyzed stories.