Johannesburg – International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola has called for renewed global efforts to combat racism, xenophobia and intolerance, saying the legacy of slavery, colonialism and apartheid remains embedded in institutions and systems.
Speaking at a UN General Assembly high-level meeting on Monday marking 25 years since the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, Lamola said racism continues to affect societies despite progress since the landmark 2001 conference.
“Contemporary racism against Africans and people of African descent is still embedded in the institutions, systems and practices that govern human affairs,” Lamola said.
Past wrongs will not right themselves.
Historical distortions do not correct themselves.
And progress is always a product of struggle.
We need to remain resilient to move forward in building society free of racism, xenophobia and related intolerances.#DurbanDeclaration pic.twitter.com/IQrcDbWmh0
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) September 28, 2026
He warned that xenophobia and online hate speech are gaining renewed traction, while measures aimed at addressing historical discrimination face backlash.
Lamola also called for “formal apologies, truth-telling processes, reparations and the return of cultural artifacts to countries of origin.”
“Twenty-five years ago, we recognised that Durban marked the beginning, not the end,” he said, urging countries to strengthen efforts to build societies free from racism and intolerance.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
