The Anglican Church of Southern Africa, ACSA, has called for an immediate end to violence and intimidation against foreign nationals, warning that threatening messages circulating on social media are fuelling xenophobic tensions across several provinces.
In a statement issued by the Vicar‑General and Dean of the Province, Stephen Diseko, the church said it was “deeply disturbed” by messages spreading across social media platforms that threaten the safety and lives of migrants living in the country.
Diseko said such rhetoric was contributing to a climate of fear and hostility, undermining the values of Ubuntu and the country’s long‑standing commitment to human dignity.
“It is for this reason that on behalf of ACSA, I call upon all South Africans who are up in arms against migrants living in our country, and therefore treating badly our fellow brothers and sisters from other countries, to stop hostile and threatening action against them, and love them as Christ loved us.”
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South Africa has, in recent weeks, witnessed growing tensions linked to anti‑immigrant mobilisation, with foreign‑owned shops targeted in some communities and inflammatory messages circulating online.
The latest wave of xenophobic sentiment follows a pattern seen in previous years, including deadly outbreaks of violence in 2008, 2015, and 2019 when migrants from other African countries were attacked, displaced, or killed.
Authorities have warned that misinformation and coordinated online campaigns are increasingly playing a role in stoking unrest.
Diseko condemned the attacks and urged South Africans to reject violence, saying all people – regardless of race, nationality, or religion – are “fellow human beings, brothers and sisters created in the image of God.”
He said immigration laws must never be used to justify intimidation or vigilantism, stressing that only law‑enforcement agencies have the authority to enforce regulations.
The church appealed for South Africa to remain a safe place for both citizens and migrants, calling on communities to promote peace, tolerance, and unity.
APA/Shakirat Sadiq
