A Betrayal of History: Xenophobia in South Africa Undermines Africa’s Shared Struggle and Future

South Africa stands today as one of Africa’s most prominent democracies, a nation forged through sacrifice, solidarity, and the collective will of a continent that refused to accept the brutality of apartheid. Yet, in a deeply troubling contradiction, the country now finds itself grappling with recurring waves of xenophobic violence targeted at fellow Africans. These acts are not only morally indefensible but historically unjustifiable.

It is impossible to recount South Africa’s liberation without acknowledging the immense support it received from across Africa. From financial assistance to military training, from diplomatic advocacy to moral solidarity, African nations stood shoulder to shoulder with South Africans in their darkest hour. Leaders across the continent opened their borders, their resources, and their hearts to the anti-apartheid struggle. This is not mere rhetoric, it is a documented history. Even No Easy Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela reflects the depth of continental support that sustained the African National Congress (ANC) during its years in exile.

It is therefore both shocking and disheartening to witness present-day South Africans turning against nationals of countries that once stood firmly behind them. The violent attacks, looting of businesses, and, in some cases, killings of foreign nationals represent a dangerous erosion of historical memory and African unity.

To be clear, no sovereign nation is expected to tolerate unlawful immigration. The concerns surrounding undocumented migrants, ranging from security risks to economic strain are legitimate and deserve serious attention. Unregulated migration can burden public services, distort labour markets, and complicate national planning. However, these challenges do not and must never justify mob justice, brutality, or extrajudicial violence.

There are established legal and diplomatic frameworks to address immigration issues. International law provides clear guidance: individuals residing in a country without proper documentation should be apprehended through lawful means and deported in accordance with due process. What is unfolding in parts of South Africa, however, departs sharply from these standards. It descends into barbarism, where human dignity is stripped away, and lives are treated as expendable.

One must also ask a simple but profound question: how would South Africans react if their own citizens were subjected to similar violence abroad? South Africans live and work across Europe, the Americas, and other parts of Africa, some legally, others not. Would it be acceptable for them to be hunted, beaten, or killed for their immigration status? The answer is unequivocally no. Human rights are not selective; they are universal.

The silence or at best, the muted response of continental leadership on this issue is equally concerning. The African Union must rise to its responsibility and speak firmly against these abuses. Failure to act risks normalising a dangerous precedent where African lives are devalued within Africa itself. If left unchecked, such actions could trigger retaliatory hostility in other countries, further fracturing the fragile unity the continent has long sought to build.

At a time when conversations around a united Africa are gaining renewed momentum, these developments are particularly disturbing. The vision of pan-Africanism, championed by leaders like Kwame Nkrumah was rooted in the belief that Africa’s strength lies in its unity, not division. Xenophobic violence directly contradicts this vision.

This moment also serves as a cautionary reflection for other African nations. Ghana, for instance, must confront its own episodes of tension involving foreign nationals, particularly Nigerians. No country is immune to the temptations of nationalism turning into exclusion. But Africa cannot afford to replicate within its borders the same divisions imposed by colonial powers.

The path forward is clear. Governments must enforce immigration laws firmly but humanely. Proper documentation should be non-negotiable for entry and residence in any country. Those who violate these laws must face legal consequences, arrest, prosecution where necessary, and deportation. At the same time, criminal elements, regardless of nationality must be identified and dealt with decisively.

But above all, Africa must reaffirm its commitment to human dignity, solidarity, and shared history.

South Africa’s freedom was not achieved in isolation. It was a continental victory. To now turn against that very continent is not just a political failure—it is a betrayal of history.

If Africa is to move forward, it must do so together. Not in fear. Not in violence. But in unity.

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