Southern African Catholic bishops condemn rising xenophobic violence in South Africa, urging justice, unity, and ethical leadership ahead of elections.
Newsroom (21/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) Members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) have issued a strong condemnation of escalating violence against migrants and refugees in South Africa, describing such acts as a “grave assault on human dignity” and calling for urgent national reflection and reform.
In a pastoral statement released on Wednesday, May 20, and signed by SACBC President Cardinal Brislin Stephen , the bishops unequivocally rejected the wave of violence, intimidation, and displacement affecting foreign nationals. The statement comes amid renewed xenophobic attacks across several major cities, drawing both domestic and international concern.
“We unequivocally and without ambiguity condemn the acts of violence, intimidation, and displacement directed at migrants and refugees,” the bishops declared. “Such actions constitute a grave assault on human dignity and a betrayal of the values that should define our society.”
Rising Tensions and Documented Attacks
The bishops’ statement coincides with reports of intensified anti-immigrant activity. A Human Rights Watch report released the same day highlighted the role of vigilante groups such as Operation Dudula in targeting African and Asian migrants. These groups have reportedly carried out assaults, harassment, and property destruction during demonstrations in cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban.
The Catholic leaders framed the unrest as more than isolated incidents of intolerance, instead pointing to systemic issues fueling public frustration. According to the SACBC, these outbreaks of violence are symptoms of deeper socio-economic and governance failures.
“We must also state clearly that these protests and outbreaks of violence do not arise in a vacuum,” the statement reads. “They are symptoms of deeper and longstanding failures and broken promises that can no longer be ignored.”
Governance Failures and Economic Pressure
Bishops from Botswana, Eswatini, and South Africa jointly highlighted persistent unemployment, widening inequality, and poor service delivery as key drivers of social tension. These challenges, they noted, have fostered “conditions of despair and frustration” in many communities.
Competition for limited resources—including jobs, housing, and access to public services—has further intensified tensions between citizens and migrants, particularly in economically marginalized areas. The bishops also pointed to systemic weaknesses in migration management, including porous borders, irregular immigration processes, and corruption within the Department of Home Affairs, which have eroded public confidence.
At the same time, the Church leaders acknowledged that some concerns raised by local communities are rooted in real experiences. These include the exploitation of migrant labor by businesses, perceptions of dominance by foreign nationals in informal trade, and cases of criminal activity involving a minority of migrants, including human trafficking and drug trafficking.
However, the bishops were firm in their moral stance: “While these concerns and frustrations are real, and must be addressed honestly, they can never justify violence against another human being.”
Call for Social Cohesion and Integration
Central to the SACBC’s message is a call for greater social cohesion and mutual responsibility. The bishops urged both migrants and local communities to foster integration through active participation, cultural respect, and communication.
“Greater participation in community life, respect for local customs, and efforts to learn local languages can contribute significantly to social cohesion, fraternity, and peaceful coexistence,” they said.
Drawing on Pope Francis’ 2020 encyclical Fratelli Tutti, the bishops emphasized the importance of fraternity that transcends borders and rejects fear and exclusion. “We cannot build a peaceful society through hatred, scapegoating, or violence,” they stressed.
Warning Ahead of Elections
With South Africa approaching local government elections, the bishops issued a pointed warning to political leaders. They cautioned against exploiting migration issues for electoral gain, describing such tactics as morally unacceptable and socially destabilizing.
“The instrumentalization of fear, division, and human vulnerability for electoral advantage is morally unacceptable and risks further destabilizing an already fragile social context,” the statement said.
The SACBC called for leadership grounded in responsibility, honesty, and a commitment to truth, urging voters to prioritize candidates who uphold justice and accountability.
“This is a decisive moment for our nation,” the bishops noted. “The future of our society depends on whether we choose the path of justice, accountability, solidarity, and social renewal, or whether we allow injustice, fear, and division to deepen.”
A Moral Appeal for Renewal
Concluding their message, the bishops appealed for a renewed national commitment to the common good, anchored in human dignity, justice, solidarity, and peace. Their statement framed the current crisis not only as a political or social challenge but as a moral test for the country.
“May the Lord grant us the courage to confront what is wrong, the wisdom to discern what is right, and the strength to act with justice, compassion, and truth,” they implored.
As South Africa grapples with its socio-economic pressures and identity as a regional hub for migration, the SACBC’s intervention underscores the urgent need for both structural reform and ethical leadership in addressing tensions that threaten the nation’s social fabric.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACi Africa
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