Calls for African solidarity dominated Africa Day celebrations in South Africa as officials pushed back against accusations of xenophobia…reports Africa Daily News Desk
South Africa marked Africa Day on Monday amid renewed concerns over xenophobia, with government leaders calling for African unity and condemning violence against foreign nationals.
Speaking at celebrations held at Moruleng Stadium in North West Province, South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie rejected claims that the country was xenophobic, while acknowledging growing public frustration over illegal immigration.
The event came amid increasing scrutiny across the continent over the treatment of foreign nationals living in South Africa.
South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola reiterated the government’s opposition to attacks on migrants, saying authorities remained firmly against violence targeting foreign nationals, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Speaking during the Southern African Development Community Foreign Ministers’ Retreat, Lamola said he had engaged with officials from several African nations, including Ghana, Nigeria and Malawi, over concerns surrounding the safety of their citizens in South Africa.
He also acknowledged challenges linked to illegal migration and undocumented foreign nationals, stressing that immigration laws should only be enforced by authorised law enforcement agencies.
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki warned that rising anti immigrant sentiment threatened both South Africa’s constitutional values and broader African unity.
Ahead of Africa Day commemorations, Mbeki said economic hardship and unemployment should not be used to scapegoat migrants, urging political leaders, civil society groups and communities to reject divisive rhetoric and pursue peaceful solutions to migration and economic pressures.
Security concerns also affected diplomatic participation during this year’s celebrations.
According to local media reports cited by Xinhua, Andre Nzapayeke, ambassador of the Central African Republic and dean of the African ambassadorial corps, said several African ambassadors collectively decided not to attend the event because of security concerns.
Nzapayeke reportedly said diplomats could not confidently guarantee the safety of African migrants attending the celebrations due to the expected large crowds.
Benjamin Quashie, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, warned that tensions surrounding undocumented migration could damage South Africa’s relations with other African countries.
In late April, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned xenophobia and vigilantism during Freedom Day commemorations, stressing that concerns over undocumented migration should never fuel prejudice against fellow Africans.
South Africa has experienced repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence over the past two decades, with foreign nationals often blamed for unemployment, crime and pressure on public services.
Major attacks in 2008, 2015 and 2019 left dozens dead and displaced thousands of migrants from across the continent, according to Xinhua.
