Anti-xenophobia activists say rising attacks on foreign nationals pose a security risk to the country, directly affecting the South African economy.
A coalition of civil society organisations under the banner Kopanang Africa against Xenophobia has been marching through the streets of Johannesburg over the violence, intimidation, and hate speech being aimed at foreign nationals.
About a thousand people from different organizations are taking part in the march.
Doctor Janet Munakamwe says there’s more to the so-called Africa on Africa hate.
“Xenophobia is not only when Nhlanhla Lux and his young people get on the streets and start chasing away street vendors. Xenophobia comes in different packages. I will talk about institutionalised xenophobia which I have experienced while applying for a work permit to work here in South Africa. Even though I came here on a study permit. I found it very difficult to transit into a work permit,” says Munakamwe.
The marchers are delivering a memorandum of demands at the Hillbrow Police station, seeking police interventions in what they say are rising xenophobic acts influenced by the anti-crime group Operation Dudula.
President Ramaphosa appeals for unity between South Africans, foreigners to avoid xenophobia:
