Makwerekwere

The term makwerekwere (pronounced: /mɑːkwɛrɛkwɛrɛ/ or MAH-query-query), amakwerekwere or kwerekwere is commonly used in South Africa as a derogatory slur against foreign nationals, particularly those from other African countries.

The use of the slur has also been condemned by various groups, including the South African Human Rights Commission and political figures like Julius Malema.

Artists and performers have used creative expressions like dance and music to protest against xenophobic attacks and challenge the use of this derogatory slur, emphasising the concept of Ubuntu (humanity towards others) and promoting unity.

Craig Prentiss, Professor of Religious Studies at the Rockhurst University, suggests that kwerekwere is a distortion of the word korekore (a subgroup of the Shona people in neighbouring Zimbabwe).

[1] This is a plausible etymology of the word as many people in Zambia, where a number of South African exiles resided prior to 1994,[2] the term makorekore was frequently employed.

[11][12][13] It has been in use in South Africa since the early 2000s and has become a common derogatory slur used against foreigners, particularly those from other African countries,[14] including immigrants from Zimbabwe,[15] Nigeria,[16] and Somalia.

[22][23][24] In May 2008, a wave of xenophobic attacks swept across the country, resulting in the deaths of over sixty people and the displacement of thousands,[25] during which the slur was used in online posts.

The border was created by colonisers.In popular culture, particularly in South African films, the term makwerekwere has been used to frame certain individuals and groups as outsiders.

Tagwirei noted how "Mama Jack" frames certain individuals and groups as makwerekwere, and uses humour and caricature to dehumanise foreigners and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.