Cape Town – The Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has condemned the recent wave of anti-immigrant threats and violence in South Africa, describing it as a “tragic betrayal” of the country’s historic struggle for freedom and justice.
In a statement posted on X, Ghebreyesus said he was deeply troubled by reports of attacks against foreign nationals that have reportedly left people dead and displaced thousands.
“It is profoundly heartbreaking to witness another surge of xenophobic violence in South Africa this week. Hundreds have marched on Parliament, thousands of families have been displaced, and lives have been tragically cut short,” he said.
Referring to reports of fatalities, he added: “These include at least five Ethiopians killed earlier in the attacks, and five Mozambicans who died in Mossel Bay. Thousands more are now fleeing for their lives.”
Ghebreyesus said South Africa’s history made the violence particularly painful, noting that many African countries had supported the anti-apartheid struggle.
It is profoundly heartbreaking to witness another surge of xenophobic violence in #SouthAfrica this week. Hundreds have marched on Parliament, thousands of families have been displaced, and lives have been tragically cut short.
These include at least five Ethiopians killed… pic.twitter.com/0W5nssBZI8
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) June 14, 2026
“To see South Africa turn to xenophobia is a tragic betrayal of its struggle for independence and freedom,” he said.
“African nations stood united to dismantle apartheid. Ethiopia proudly supported ‘Madiba’, Nelson Mandela, in 1962 and issued him a passport so he could travel the continent.”
He urged South Africans to resolve disputes through legal channels rather than violence.
“Disagreements and grievances must be addressed by the justice system and the rule of law, never through vigilante violence and collective punishment,” he said.
“South Africa deserves better. Africa deserves better. Stop the hate. Protect the vulnerable. Uphold our shared humanity.”
Meanwhile, the government’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration warned that misinformation and manipulated content circulating on social media are fuelling tensions and xenophobic attacks.
WATCH | Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says government calls on all undocumented immigrants currently within the country’s borders to comply with the law immediately. pic.twitter.com/7kM8lYl8JK
— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 14, 2026
The committee said fake videos and images were being used to “incite violence, cause panic, fuel attacks on foreign nationals, and unfairly blame them for deep-seated socio-economic challenges like high unemployment and crime.”
It also rejected what it called a “false narrative” that South Africa is inherently xenophobic, warning that disinformation campaigns are designed to create division and damage the country’s international reputation.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
