Social Stratification As A Catalyst For Xenophobia In Kenneth Maswabi's Poems

This research aims to analyse selected poems from the anthology, Collection of Poems by Kenneth Maswabi (2020), that deal with social stratification as a source xenophobia. Postcolonial theory is and adopted for purpose analysis texts under study. The applying postcolonial appropriately contextualize text while analyzing it standpoint. To address impact xenophobia its link stratification, three were chosen, studied, analysed. study took into account South Africa's historical context linked contemporary developments in country. David Mário Matsinhe's concept citizenship theory. has been chosen because he contends struggle survival Africa, well anti-immigrant sentiments, revitalized group interactions often fatal repercussions. Hence, antecedents have sparked xenophobic assaults Africa since they refer country's colonial past. demonstrates during colonialism's repression, people learned build resistance any type foreign incursion, particularly African immigrants. As result these attitudes, schism developed between citizens Based on findings study, caused proven poems. Keywords: Xenophobia; Maswabi; Catalyst; Poetry; Africa;