The Nelson Mandela Foundation has called for renewed commitment to social cohesion, constitutional democracy and the rule of law amid growing tensions over migration and planned protest marches on June 30.
Image: Itumeleng English/ ANA Studio
The Nelson Mandela Foundation has urged South Africans to uphold social cohesion, constitutional democracy and the rule of law following a strategic dialogue on migration held on 25 June.
The dialogue, co-convened with Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX), brought together representatives from 14 civil society organisations and members of the media. It included a presentation by Yitna Getachew, Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration (United Nations).
The discussions were prompted by growing concern over public discourse surrounding planned protest marches on 30 June.
The Foundation said it recognises the frustration of many South Africans over the democratic state's failure to fully deliver on the Constitution's promise of social transformation over the past three decades. However, it warned that increasing anger is being directed at people perceived to be foreigners.
Participants stressed the importance of grounding public debate in evidence, noting that migration is a global phenomenon and that South Africa's challenges cannot be attributed to immigration alone. They pointed to factors including rapid urbanisation, poor town planning and corruption within local government.
The Foundation also recalled former President Nelson Mandela's 1995 warning against blaming foreigners for the country's problems, saying South Africa should address the root causes of its challenges rather than directing blame at outsiders.
It called on South Africans to reject incitement to violence, respect the rule of law and demonstrate patriotism by upholding constitutional values. The Foundation also urged the state to enforce the law and meet its constitutional obligations to everyone protected under the Constitution.
IOL