The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has called on the South African government to take decisive steps to end xenophobic violence and protect foreign nationals amid renewed attacks in parts of the country.
The appeal was made in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, in which Mr Guterres expressed deep concern and strongly condemned rising incidents of intimidation and violence targeting migrants.
According to the statement, the UN chief denounced criminal acts and incitement to violence reported in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape Province, warning that such developments threaten social cohesion and democratic values.
“Violence, vigilantism and all forms of incitement to hatred have no place in an inclusive, democratic society,” Mr Guterres said.
Mr Guterres urged authorities to ensure that all investigations into the attacks are conducted promptly and meet standards of independence and impartiality.
He stressed that accountability remains critical to restoring trust and preventing further escalation.
The UN chief reminded the international community that South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle was built on strong global and African solidarity, noting that the country has long benefited from the contributions of people across the continent.
Mr Guterres acknowledged the country’s socio-economic challenges but welcomed the government’s commitment to implementing its National Action Plan against Racism and Xenophobia.
He also extended his goodwill message to South Africans on the occasion of Freedom Day, while urging the nation to uphold the values of inclusion, tolerance, and unity.
The statement underscores growing international concern over recurring xenophobic tensions in South Africa, with calls for stronger protections for migrants and stricter enforcement against hate-driven violence.
