Statement on Xenophobia in South Africa

“South Africa belongs to all who live in it” — preamble to the South African Constitution The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) acknowledges the anger felt by many economically marginalised citizens and join others in raising concerns that real grievances have been weaponised by opportunistic forces, deflecting attention away from demands for state and private sector leadership to tackle effective state delivery and structural economic transformation. The state is not effectively providing the services, as well as the jobs and security that so many in South Africa urgently need. This, however, does not justify any form of violence, xenophobia and Afrophobia. PARI thus joins those condemning the violence and hate speech directed at foreign nationals in South Africa. We call for a halt to all vigilante attacks, and the protection of all persons within our borders regardless of nationality or legal status. We call for unequivocal condemnation from state leaders of the anti-migrant rhetoric, intimidation, displacement and killings that have targeted African migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Therefore, PARI stands in solidarity with all Africans in the country and calls for a state that is willing and able to implement a democracy that actually does deliver the promised better life for all.