GSABC President Tony Sekyere Leads Call for Pan-African Unity Amid Rising Xenophobic Tensions in South Africa

The Ghana–South Africa Business Chamber (GSABC) has issued a stern condemnation of recent xenophobic violence in South Africa, warning that such discrimination fundamentally undermines the spirit of African solidarity and integration. Led by President Tony Sekyere, the Chamber’s call for unity comes as anti-immigrant unrest forces foreign nationals into temporary shelters or to flee the country entirely. The GSABC emphasized that targeted violence has no place on the continent and urged for a decisive rejection of xenophobia in favor of diplomatic dialogue and mutual respect between nations.

The human cost of these tensions is currently being felt most acutely in areas like Durban, where displaced migrants, particularly from Malawi, are being relocated from temporary shelters. Many migrants, such as Martha Kennedy, have expressed a desire to return to their home countries due to persistent safety concerns and the increasingly hostile environment. Protests in various communities have escalated, with some groups demanding that all undocumented foreigners leave South Africa. Those remaining in shelters face worsening conditions, including inadequate sanitation and insufficient facilities, further fueling the humanitarian crisis.

In response to the growing unrest, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged citizens not to use migrants as scapegoats for the nation's economic challenges. Despite these appeals, the GSABC notes that previous incidents have already necessitated the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals, highlighting the fragility of regional relations. The Chamber maintains that the principles of Pan-Africanism must guide the response to these challenges, advocating for a focus on trade, cultural relations, and peaceful coexistence rather than hostility.

With over three million foreign nationals currently residing in South Africa, the ongoing instability poses a significant threat to the continent's goals of economic and social integration. The GSABC and other observers stress that sustainable solutions will require more than just temporary security measures; they demand a commitment to the dignity of all Africans and a collaborative effort to address the root causes of socio-economic frustration. The Chamber remains committed to fostering better relations between Ghana and South Africa, viewing unity as the only viable path forward for a prosperous and integrated continent.