The Concern Foreigners Forum in South Africa urges the South African Police Service, the South African Government, the African Union, human rights organizations, and international human rights bodies to immediately investigate public statements and threats purportedly made by Phakela against foreigners in South Africa. No individual should employ fear, intimidation, or xenophobic rhetoric to threaten innocent individuals, legal residents, migrants, refugees, workers, or business owners. Africa advocates for unity, dignity, and human rights, rather than hatred, violence, or division. Foreign nationals are integral components of African communities, economies, and families and are entitled to protection under the law. Authorities must intervene before violence escalates further. Silence only exacerbates fear and tension in communities already affected by xenophobic attacks. Crime must be combated through legal means via the justice system, rather than through threats, mob actions, or hate campaigns against foreign nationals. The international community is observing South Africa. Xenophobia must be halted. Human rights must be protected. Human life must be safeguarded.
Cyril Ramaphosa Helen Zille
