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Africa Must Speak With One Voice Against Xenophobia on South Africa<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
By Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi | To the leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU),<\/p>\n
There comes a moment in history when silence becomes complicity. That moment is now.<\/p>\n
Three decades ago, Africa stood united against the brutality of apartheid in South Africa. The Frontline States Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique offered refuge, resources and solidarity. They paid a heavy price in economic sabotage, military destabilisation and lost lives so that South Africa could be free.<\/p>\n
Today, 32 years into democracy, a painful encounter that confronts us. Fellow Africans once welcomed as brothers and sisters are being attacked, displaced and in some cases killed in waves of xenophobic violence. This is not just a South African problem, it is an African crisis.<\/p>\n
The government led by Cyril Ramaphosa has a constitutional and moral duty to protect all who live within its borders. The continued occurrence of these attacks casts doubt on the effectiveness of existing policies, the responsiveness of law enforcement and the strength of political will. Mere condemnations, without consistent and decisive action, are no longer sufficient.<\/p>\n
Let it be clear, not a single African life should be lost in the name of xenophobia.<\/p>\n
However, calls to indiscriminately boycott or shut down South African businesses across the continent risk harming ordinary workers many of whom are fellow Africans and could deepen economic instability rather than solve the root problem. Africa must respond, YES but with strategy, unity and purpose, not self-inflicted damage.<\/p>\n
Instead, we urge:<\/p>\n
* Immediate regional intervention: SADC and the AU must convene an urgent summit focused specifically on xenophobia, with binding resolutions and timelines.
* Accountability mechanisms: Establish a monitoring body to track incidents, responses and justice outcomes in South Africa.
* Protection protocols: Develop continent-wide standards for the protection of migrants and foreign nationals.
* Economic and diplomatic pressure: Targeted, coordinated measures not blanket boycotts can push for reform without harming vulnerable populations.
* Public education campaigns: Xenophobia thrives on misinformation and economic frustration; these must be addressed at their roots.<\/p>\n
Africa\u2019s liberation struggle was built on unity, sacrifice and shared destiny. That spirit must not die in the streets of Johannesburg, Durban or Pretoria.<\/p>\n
We did not fight apartheid to replace one form of injustice with another.<\/p>\n
The time for statements has passed. The time for decisive African action is now.<\/p>\n
Should further clarification be required, I can be reached on +263772278161 or via email at [email\u00a0protected].<\/p>\n
Yours faithfully,<\/p>\n
Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi<\/p>\n
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