Faith leaders break silence on xenophobic violence in South Africa

Press release provided by Christians United For Africa (CUFA)

STATEMENT BY CHRISTIANS UNITED FOR AFRICA (CUFA) ON THE RISE OF XENOPHOBIC VIOLENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

We, Christians United for Africa (CUFA), speak with one voice at a time when our nation, South Africa, is already under severe strain. The outbreak of xenophobic violence across parts of the country, including the recent and deeply troubling incidents involving scholars in Kraaifontein, is adding fuel to an already unstable situation. We cannot, and will not, remain silent.

1. We Condemn Xenophobic Violence Without Qualification
As the Church of Jesus Christ, we strongly condemn all acts of violence, intimidation, and dehumanisation directed at foreign nationals, whether documented or undocumented. No grievance justifies barbaric behaviour. Every person, regardless of nationality or legal status, bears the image of God and deserves dignity, justice, and protection under the law.

2. The Church Must Speak — Not Remain Silent
The silence of the Church in moments like this is not neutrality; it is complicity. We call upon every congregation, every believer, and those called into the five-fold ministry to preach peace, model hospitality, and actively intervene wherever hatred and division are spreading. We affirm the many prayer groups, intercessors, and watchmen already on their knees for this nation. Continue praying, but let prayer be accompanied by action:

• mediation within communities,
• protection of the vulnerable,
• practical support where needed,
• and speaking truth to power.

3. We Call for Decisive Leadership
It is evident that current policing and law enforcement capacity is under immense pressure. We urge the South African Police Service to act swiftly, impartially, and decisively to restore order and hold perpetrators accountable. Vigilantism cannot and must not be tolerated. We also call upon the Government of South Africa to find its moral voice. Leadership is needed now. South Africa did not stand alone during the years of apartheid. Many African nations opened their borders, sheltered our refugees, trained our leaders, and sacrificed for our freedom. Men and women from those same nations now live, work, worship, and build within our cities and communities.
We owe them memory.
We owe them gratitude.
We owe them justice.

4. We Recognise Complexity, But Reject Tribalism
We acknowledge the real challenges surrounding documented and undocumented migration, pressure on public services, unemployment, crime, and economic strain. These are legitimate concerns that require proper policy, fair enforcement, and long-term reform. However, legal process must never become an excuse for tribalism or xenophobic hatred.
• in broken continental relationships,
• in weakened economic trade across Africa,
• and discouraging the skilled and entrepreneurial people South Africa needs to grow.

5. A Positive Path Forward
CUFA believes South Africa’s destiny is deeply tied to Africa’s destiny. We are part of the African continent, which makes us all Africans. There was a time when South Africans fled to neighbouring nations seeking refuge. Today, we are called to become a nation marked by refuge, order, justice, and opportunity. This means:

1. Upholding the law without abandoning compassion.
2. Addressing community grievances through dialogue, not violence.
3. Protecting foreign nationals as neighbours, not enemies.
4. Investing in systems that manage migration fairly, transparently, and effectively.
5. Building an Africa united by justice, dignity, and mutual respect.

We urge all South Africans:
Reject fear. Reject tribalism. Reject violence.
Choose justice. Choose peace.

Let the Church lead by example. May we be known not for the fires we ignite, but for the peace we build.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Issued by: Dr Barry Isaacs Chairman – Christians United for Africa (CUFA On behalf of Christians United for Africa (CUFA) 29 May 2026

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Date published: 29/05/2026
Feature image: Sourced from Magnific – for illustration purposes only

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