The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has condemned the ongoing violence, intimidation and unlawful actions targeting migrants and foreign nationals in South Africa, describing the trend as a threat to the rule of law and African unity.
In a statement signed by the ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, the regional labour body reaffirmed its opposition to Afrophobia and all forms of discrimination against African migrants. It also expressed solidarity with South African trade unions and the country’s organised business community over growing concerns about the impact of the attacks on social cohesion, economic stability, investment and employment.
ITUC-Africa stressed that South Africa’s Constitution places the responsibility for enforcing immigration, labour and criminal laws solely on the government and its authorised institutions. It noted that international labour standards also guarantee migrant workers equal treatment, protection from discrimination and respect for their dignity and fundamental rights.
While acknowledging public concerns over unemployment, crime, inequality and pressure on public services, the organisation said such challenges cannot justify vigilantism, unlawful inspections or attacks based on nationality or perceived origin. It urged authorities to investigate and prosecute anyone taking the law into their own hands.
The organisation also called on the South African government to strengthen efforts to protect everyone within its borders, maintain public order, and address the socio-economic challenges that fuel public frustration, including unemployment, poverty, inequality, and inadequate public services.
Beyond South Africa, ITUC-Africa urged governments across the continent to improve governance, expand productive employment, strengthen social protection and invest in industrial development and quality public services. It said these measures would help ensure migration becomes a matter of choice rather than necessity.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting migrant workers and promoting Pan-African solidarity, ITUC-Africa said that African workers deserve dignity, equality and respect wherever they live and work. The organisation maintained that lasting solutions to the continent’s challenges lie in justice, democratic governance, decent work and shared prosperity, rather than fear, exclusion or violence.
