Attacks such as these, apart from being unlawful, are unfairly discriminatory. Attacks of this nature are motivated by warped beliefs that others have no human rights based on their social origins. The Commission has repeatedly called and calls on all within South Africa to respect, protect and promote the rights of all within South Africa as the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, in particular, treat all within South Africa with equality and human dignity.  The Commission is further concerned that these xenophobic acts could spark further xenophobic attacks on non-nationals within the other parts of the province and escalate nationally.

News reports have alleged that those who targeted and threatened non-national traders claimed to belong to the Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA). These non-national traders were accused of “stealing” job opportunities from South African citizens and for bringing drugs into South Africa” and instructed to cease all trading and return to their respective countries of origin.  The Commission’s Kwa-Zulu Natal Provincial Office is currently monitoring the situation closely and will be working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the rights of all non-nationals are equally promoted and protected.   

Ends

Prepared by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Office of the South African Human Rights Commission.

For queries, contact the SAHRC’s KZN Provincial Manager, Mr Lloyd Lotz on 031 – 304 7323 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.