In Durban, demonstrators gathered to advocate for Palestinian liberation while denouncing xenophobia, highlighting the interconnectedness of struggles for human rights
With Palestinian flags fluttering in the air and voices rising in unison, the demonstrators gathered on Friday to deliver a message that stretches beyond borders, calling for freedom, dignity and an end to xenophobia.
The gathering brought together people from different backgrounds who linked the struggle for Palestinian liberation with the fight against discrimination against migrants and refugees closer to home.
Their chants echoed through the crowd, urging compassion over division and unity over hatred. “No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here. No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here,” they chanted.
The crowd also rejected anti-foreigner sentiment. “No human is illegal. Xenophobia will not win. We are all African.”
Participants also voiced solidarity with people living through conflict across the world, chanting “Hands off Iran, Congo, Cuba, Gaza, Venezuela, Sudan” before repeating their call for universal human rights.
Activist Mukhethwa Dzhugudzha warned that the consequences of rising anti-immigration sentiment could extend far beyond local communities.
“South Africa’s anti-immigration movement is going to become one of the most effective weapons ever used against this country.”
He added that the country’s influence has historically been built on its moral standing rather than military or economic power, pointing to its transition from apartheid to democracy and its advocacy for oppressed people worldwide.
“South Africa’s moral authority becomes fragile the moment South Africans are seen to be humiliating and abusing vulnerable African immigrants inside its own borders.
“This contradiction is politically devastating. If this anti-immigration movement keeps growing, it will be used to weaken South Africa’s credibility, break African solidarity, and prepare the ground for diplomatic, economic, and reputational punishment.”
He said this in particular to the country’s decision to take Israel to the International Court of Justice over a genocide in Gaza. He said this action reflects the country’s self-positioning as a defender of the oppressed internationally but warned that this credibility becomes vulnerable when domestic conduct appears inconsistent with those principles.
In an address responding to growing public debate around immigration and recent tensions on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed that law enforcement authority rests solely with the state and warned against vigilante action.
“No other person is allowed, for example, to confront someone in the street to demand proof of nationality.”
The president further emphasised South Africa’s constitutional values. “We know that South Africans are not xenophobic as there is no space for xenophobia, racism, sexism, Afrophobia or any other forms of intolerance in South Africa.”
He also cautioned against misinformation and online mobilisation that could inflame tensions.
“We will not be fooled or influenced by social media campaigns that spread misinformation, fake news and lies about foreign nationals.”
Ramaphosa reiterated that while legitimate concerns around immigration must be addressed, they must be handled through lawful and democratic processes, not through intimidation or violence.
