South Africa Rejects Xenophobia Label, says 364 Arrested over Migrant Attacks

The Acting Consul-General of South Africa in Lagos, Ms Kgothatso Xulu, has rejected the portrayal of her country as xenophobic, disclosing that 364 people have been arrested in connection with attacks on African migrants.

Xulu spoke on Tuesday at the 47th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society of International Law, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The conference had as its theme, “From Obligation to Implementation: Reassessing the Efficacy of International Law in Contemporary International Relations.”

Defending South Africa against generalisations arising from the attacks, Xulu said the incidents should not be used to characterise the entire country, insisting that the government and its people rejected xenophobia.

“I wouldn’t be doing my country any justice if I don’t actually address and defend that South Africa is not xenophobic and we reject, we completely reject what is happening,” she said.

“But we cannot be generalised with small pockets that are using the opportunity, which is a global problem that is affecting the continent.”

The diplomat said 364 arrests had been made in connection with the attacks, arguing that individual incidents should not define the entire country.

She acknowledged that irregular migration and challenges with service delivery were realities in South Africa but urged African countries to address the underlying causes of migration and promote economic cooperation.

Xulu questioned why many Africans were leaving their home countries rather than exploring opportunities to trade and expand their businesses across the continent.

“If we want to really have an Africa that we see viable, it has to be that our people are not leaving our homes because of economic emancipation, but rather we are leaving our homes to say that I would like to trade, I would like to extend our market,” she said.

She linked the issue to the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, which seeks to promote trade among African countries and establish a single continental market.

According to her, trade should be driven by opportunities for economic growth rather than the need to escape hardship.

“Trade shouldn’t be about survival, but trade should be about we are creating a market,” she said.

Xulu also defended South Africa’s constitutional protection of peaceful protests, explaining that demonstrations played a significant role in the country’s struggle against apartheid.

She said protests should not automatically be regarded as violent simply because they involved large gatherings or attracted public attention.

“The Constitution says peaceful protests for South Africans are allowed. This is how we were partly able to win and be able to push the apartheid government, because our people protested,” she said.

The consul-general explained that procedures existed for organising protests and that police officers were responsible for ensuring the safety of demonstrators and members of the public.

She acknowledged that South Africa had spent about 30 years under democratic rule and urged other Africans to understand the country’s historical experience.

Xulu also criticised the generalisation of incidents through media reports, warning that misinformation and fake news could distort perceptions of South Africans.

She cited South Africa’s national anthem, which begins with an appeal for God to bless Africa, as a reflection of the country’s recognition of the support it received from other African nations during the struggle against apartheid.

The diplomat called on African countries to establish platforms for honest and structured discussions on migration, xenophobia and economic cooperation.

She urged Nigeria to take a leading role in facilitating such conversations at the next meeting of the NSIL, saying African countries needed to work together to address the root causes of the challenges confronting the continent.

Xulu also called on African countries to participate more actively in discussions on international law and global governance rather than remain onlookers while decisions affecting the continent were made.

She said greater African participation in international decision-making would enable the continent to protect its interests and contribute to shaping global policies.

“Entering into the space of international rules means that Africans are able to make decisions for themselves,” she said.

Xulu expressed appreciation for the conference’s engagement with international law and South Africa’s role at the International Court of Justice.

She concluded by urging younger Africans to embrace the responsibility of shaping the continent’s future.