THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
I write as a Ghanaian lawyer to express my concerns about recent developments in South Africa. Mainstream and social media have been inundated with videos of some South Africans verbally confronting citizens of other African countries living in South Africa. These actions demonstrate an unwelcoming and troubling attitude towards fellow Africans who live and work in the country.
In one such video, a group of South Africans humiliated a Ghanaian resident, demanding that he leaves the country and never return. There have also been disturbing incidents in which groups entered public health facilities and attempted to drive out foreign nationals receiving medical treatment.
I condemn these acts unequivocally. Upon careful reflection, it is clear that such xenophobic behaviour must be denounced not only by the good people of South Africa but by all who value human dignity across the world.
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) contains foundational provisions that
guarantee respect, dignity, and protection of everyone living in the country. The preamble states:
‘We, the people of South Africa, recognize the injustices of our past; honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land; respect those who have worked to build and develop our country; and believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.’
These are not mere words. They reflect what South Africa is and aspires to be a nation that respects all who contribute to its development and affirms that it belongs to everyone who lives in it.
Furthermore, Chapter One of the Constitution – the Supreme Law of South Africa – emphasizes the values of human dignity, non- racialism and non- sexism. Article 10 of the Bill of Rights clearly states that ‘everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected.’ The use of the word ‘everyone’ is deliberate and inclusive, referring to all persons living in South Africa, regardless of nationality.
The Constitution makes a clear distinction between ‘everyone’ and ‘every citizen’. For example, Article 21 (Freedom of Movement and Residence) states in Clause (1) that ‘everyone has the right to freedom of movement,’ while Clause (4) specifies that ‘every citizen has the right to a passport.’ This distinction underscores that fundamental rights such as dignity and protection apply to all, not just citizens.
Therefore, the xenophobic acts depicted in these videos are inconsistent with the rights enshrined in the South African Constitution and the famous Ubuntu principle.
It is important to note that these actions do not represent the character of all South Africans. Many South Africans are welcoming, friendly and hospitable towards people from other nations. Unfortunately, the actions of a few have cast a negative image on the country globally. Silence in the face of such injustice could be interpreted as acceptance; therefore, all South Africans – both within the country and abroad – must speak out against these acts.
Such behaviour also undermines the vision of Africa Unity championed by leaders like Kwame Nkrumah and Nelson Mandela. As a member of the African Union, South Africa is bound by the Africa Charter on Human and People’s Rights. Article 4 of the Charter states: ‘Human beings are inviolable. Every human being shall be entitled to respect for his life and integrity of his person. No one may be arbitrarily deprived of this right’
Filming and humiliating foreign nationals, as well as using xenophobic language against them, is inhumane and violates these fundamental rights. Likewise, forcing individuals to leave healthcare facilities while receiving treatment is both cruel and indefensible. Such actions betray a basic moral principle shared across cultures and legal systems: treat others as you would want to be treated.
Where foreign nationals are found to be violating the law, proper legal procedures must be followed. Any action outside the law is unacceptable. If Africa is to achieve greatness, such behaviour must be eradicated. Every individual, both within and beyond the continent, has a responsibility to condemn it.
Through this statement. I denounce these inhumane acts and call on all individuals and institutions – especially the African Union – to take a firm stand against them. This is 2026; the world must move beyond such conduct.
Isaac Arko Inkum, Esq
Lawyer & Global Citizen
inkumarko22@gmail.com
