We recognize that many communities are experiencing significant socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, inequality and inadequate service delivery. These challenges, however, cannot justify violence, discrimination or the targeting of migrants and foreign nationals. The protection of human dignity must remain non-negotiable.
PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
01 June 2026
ActionAid South Africa Calls for Dialogue, Social Cohesion and an End to
Anti-Migrant sentiments
ActionAid South Africa is deeply concerned
by the increasing incidents of violence, intimidation, and hostility directed
towards migrants and foreign nationals in various communities across the
country. As an organization committed to human rights, social justice, and the
dignity of all people, we unequivocally condemn all forms of violence and
actions that threaten social cohesion and undermine the constitutional values
upon which South Africa is founded.
ActionAid South Africa believes that
addressing these tensions requires a nuanced and constructive approach. While
public discourse shaped around anti-migrant sentiments requires objectivity and
not mere labels that are by themselves problematic, there is a need to create
space for meaningful engagement that can address its root causes and contribute
to lasting solutions.
We recognize that many communities are
experiencing significant socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, inequality
and inadequate service delivery. These challenges, however, cannot justify
violence, discrimination or the targeting of migrants and foreign nationals.
The protection of human dignity must remain non-negotiable.
We believe that sustainable peace can only
be achieved through honest conversations, mutual understanding and collective
efforts to address the underlying drivers of conflict. We therefore call upon
government, civil society, faith-based organizations, and community leaders to
work together to promote unity and reject violence in all its forms.
South Africa's future depends on our
ability to uphold the values of solidarity, dignity, equality, and justice. We
must reject violence and division and instead build a society where all people
can live in safety, dignity, and peace.
/ENDS
For media enquiries or interviews please contact
Mathapelo Makhubu, Communications support,
ActionAid South Africa
Email: Mathapelo.Makhubu@actionaid.org
About ActionAid South Africa
ActionAid South Africa
is a rights-based organization working for gender justice, good governance and
the eradication of poverty. We challenge patriarchy and extractive economic
systems, amplify the voices of women and young people to build agency through
grassroots organising, partnerships and feminist alternatives.