President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans involved in xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals to reflect on the support the country received from other African nations during its fight against colonialism and apartheid.
The president made this appeal while delivering his keynote address at the 2026 Freedom Day commemoration held in Bloemfontein on Monday.
He said: “We should never allow the legitimate concerns of our communities about illegal migration to breed prejudice towards our fellow Africans.
“We must not allow these concerns to give rise to xenophobia directed towards people from other African countries or any other parts of the world.
“As a nation that defeated colonialism and apartheid through international solidarity, we carry a responsibility to advance constitutional values beyond our borders.”
These remarks came against the backdrop of anti-foreigner protests and violence in South Africa, including attacks on Nigerians and Ghanaian.
In fact, two Nigerian nationals were killed by South African security personnel. Also, fresh protests are said to be planned in Gauteng Province this week.