UNISA Takes Stand Against Xenophobia and Afrophobia, South Africans React

• UNISA issued a statement on 18 September rejecting xenophobic violence and Afrophobia in South Africa
• The university argued that inequality and poor public services, not foreign nationals, are the root causes of South Africa's struggles
• The statement drew strong reactions online, with many South Africans pushing back against UNISA's position

SOUTH AFRICA - The University of South Africa took a firm public stance on 18 September, releasing a statement that rejected xenophobic violence and Afrophobia, and called for stronger continental academic partnerships across the African continent.

In the statement, UNISA argued that inequality, inadequate public services and economic exclusion are deeply connected problems in South Africa, and that blaming foreign nationals for these issues offers no real diagnosis or solution.

"Scapegoating solves nothing," the university said.

UNISA on dignity and documentation

The university was clear that no person's dignity should be contingent on their documentation status, and that due process applies to everyone regardless of papers. It also noted that most violence against women in South Africa is committed by local men, not migrants, pushing back on a narrative often used to justify anti-foreigner sentiment.

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UNISA said it does not support undocumented migration and acknowledged that border governance, documentation and residency fall within the mandate of the state. However, it drew a firm line between state responsibility and public hostility towards foreign nationals.

On the question of employment, the university said that when a suitably qualified South African is available for a position, that person should be appointed. It added that it is building a space for African scholars to work, move and produce knowledge across borders.

Nelson Mandela's words and Pan-Africanism

UNISA closed its statement by invoking Nelson Mandela, quoting him directly:

"We are one people and we undermine the distinction that apartheid tried so hard to impose."

The university said this commitment to Pan-Africanism is central to its identity, adding that a future South Africa must not force people to live in fear alongside fellow Africans.

The statement drew significant reaction on social media, with many users challenging both the framing and the timing of UNISA's position.

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View statement here:

Mzansi responds to UNISA's statement

@t_ignatious_d wrote:

"I thought you'd provide evidence of the xenophobic violence, but you just want to sideline South Africans 🚮"

@Mwelase_Sthe said:

"Let me tell you something. There's no xenophobia in South Africa 😢."

@tmanco7 shared:

"I wasted my time reading this. There's no xenophobia in SA. What's the reason for this statement really?"

@guevara28_che commented:

"Women are being killed you want to tell us about non-existent xenophobia."

@ZukoMandlakazi noted:

"I actually expected a deep dive: case studies from the university's professors, students and researchers that rigorously examine, prove or dispel the so-called xenophobia."

Court instructs UNISA to include Afrikaans

Previously, Briefly News reported that in a landmark Constitutional Court (ConCourt) ruling on Wednesday, the University of South Africa (Unisa) has been instructed to change its language policy to include Afrikaans. The legal team representing Unisa, the largest open distance learning institution in Africa, stated that although the apex court ruled against their client, the institution will comply with the judgment.

Source: Briefly News