IN CONVERSATION WITH CLAUDE KAYITARE, Head of Partnerships and Programs (SANIR)
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Recent unrest in KuGompo, Buffalo City began as
a protest but quickly escalated into violence, including the destruction
of property and the targeted looting of businesses, particularly those
owned by foreign nationals. Reports indicate assaults, intimidation,
and the displacement of migrants, reflecting a recurring pattern of
xenophobic violence in South Africa.
The Southern Africa Network for Immigrants and Refugees has
expressed deep concern over these events, highlighting the risks to
refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, many of whom are already in
precarious living conditions. The destruction of livelihoods, loss of
property, and threats to personal safety place affected individuals and
families at immediate risk of further harm, displacement, and long-
term trauma.
SANIR calls on the Government of South Africa to ensure the
immediate protection of all residents, regardless of nationality or legal
status. Deploy adequate law enforcement to prevent further violence
and restore order. Publicly condemn xenophobic violence and provide
clear leadership. Investigate incidents thoroughly and hold
perpetrators accountable. Provide emergency humanitarian
assistance, including shelter, food, and medical support.
Community leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society are urged
to promote calm, reject misinformation, and address underlying
tensions peacefully.
09:15
SANIR commits to monitoring the situation and documenting human
rights violations. Providing support to affected migrants and refugees.
Engaging stakeholders in dialogue to prevent further escalation.
SANIR emphasizes that South Africa’s constitutional values of dignity,
equality, and human rights must guide the collective response, and
calls on all stakeholders to act decisively to prevent further violence
and uphold justice, inclusion, and social cohesion.
a protest but quickly escalated into violence, including the destruction
of property and the targeted looting of businesses, particularly those
owned by foreign nationals. Reports indicate assaults, intimidation,
and the displacement of migrants, reflecting a recurring pattern of
xenophobic violence in South Africa.
The Southern Africa Network for Immigrants and Refugees has
expressed deep concern over these events, highlighting the risks to
refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, many of whom are already in
precarious living conditions. The destruction of livelihoods, loss of
property, and threats to personal safety place affected individuals and
families at immediate risk of further harm, displacement, and long-
term trauma.
SANIR calls on the Government of South Africa to ensure the
immediate protection of all residents, regardless of nationality or legal
status. Deploy adequate law enforcement to prevent further violence
and restore order. Publicly condemn xenophobic violence and provide
clear leadership. Investigate incidents thoroughly and hold
perpetrators accountable. Provide emergency humanitarian
assistance, including shelter, food, and medical support.
Community leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society are urged
to promote calm, reject misinformation, and address underlying
tensions peacefully.
09:15
SANIR commits to monitoring the situation and documenting human
rights violations. Providing support to affected migrants and refugees.
Engaging stakeholders in dialogue to prevent further escalation.
SANIR emphasizes that South Africa’s constitutional values of dignity,
equality, and human rights must guide the collective response, and
calls on all stakeholders to act decisively to prevent further violence
and uphold justice, inclusion, and social cohesion.
