PANASA lamented what it described as the erosion of the spirit of “Ubuntu” the African philosophy of shared humanity and togetherness which once symbolised South Africa’s moral leadership during and after the anti-apartheid struggle.
“Xenophobia stands in direct contradiction to human rights, dignity and the rule of law,”the association stated, adding that attacks targeting people because of their nationality, ethnicity or origin amount to a violation of fundamental freedoms.
The association stressed that economic frustration can never justify violence against fellow Africans, noting that no individual deserves to be stripped of dignity because they are foreigners.
The students further warned that continued xenophobic violence poses a serious threat to regional peace and damages South Africa’s democratic image on the continent and beyond.
“Violence against foreign nationals is a crime against humanity and a violation of the principles of the African Union and SADC,” the statement added.
Expressing solidarity with victims, PANASA called on the South African government, civil society groups and local communities to promote dialogue, accountability and peaceful coexistence.
The association also urged African leaders and citizens to reject division and instead strengthen unity across the continent.
“Stop the xenophobia, stop the killings, and let us promote a united Africa that transcends divisive borders,” the group concluded.
