Xenophobia Is A Demonic Spirit Of Division — African Tourism Board Chairman Condemns Anti‑immigrant Protests In South Africa
The Executive Chairman of the African Tourism Board, Hon. Cuthbert Ncube, has issued a powerful condemnation of xenophobic attacks and anti‑immigrant protests in South Africa, describing them as a “demonic spirit of division” driven by a handful of lawless individuals whose actions threaten Africa’s unity, economic progress and shared destiny.
Speaking at the 2026 Emancipation Day celebration at the historic Pikworo Slave Camp in Paga on Tuesday, July 21, Hon. Ncube said the resurgence of xenophobic violence represents one of the greatest betrayals of the ideals for which Africans fought during the struggle against colonialism and oppression.
The annual Emancipation Day event commemorates the horrors of the Trans‑Atlantic Slave Trade and honours millions of Africans forcibly taken into slavery. Against that solemn backdrop, Hon. Ncube said it was unacceptable—and deeply ironic—for Africans to now persecute fellow Africans on their own soil.
He described the attacks on foreign African nationals as both a moral failure and a political collapse.
“Xenophobia is a demonic spirit of division perpetuated by a few lawless persons. It is an absolute political failure and a moral tragedy when nations liberated through collective African solidarity turn against their own African brothers and sisters.”
Hon. Ncube said he had watched with alarm the reports of intimidation, violence and forced displacement of African migrants, stressing that such actions undermine the vision of a united and prosperous continent.
“We have watched with outrage as targeted intimidation forces our African brothers and sisters to flee in terror. This is unacceptable in a continent that prides itself on unity, solidarity and shared humanity.”
Economic Self‑Sabotage
The African Tourism Board Chairman warned that xenophobia is not only a humanitarian crisis but also an economic disaster. Hostility toward foreign Africans, he said, discourages investment, weakens tourism, disrupts trade and threatens regional integration efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He described xenophobia as economic self‑sabotage.
“It paralyses our collective goals, damages the tourism sector and deters the vital intra‑African capital needed to build self‑reliance across the continent.”
Hon. Ncube added that xenophobic attacks directly contradict the African Union’s long‑term development blueprint.
“Xenophobia is a direct assault on the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and we will not remain silent while political cowardice turns brother against brother.”
A Call for Courage and Cultural Leadership
He challenged African political leaders to show courage by confronting hate, protecting migrants and promoting peaceful coexistence among all Africans regardless of nationality.
He also appealed to traditional authorities across the continent to play a more active role in safeguarding Africa’s cultural values and promoting unity.
“Do not be passive spectators during times of cultural and political crisis. Reprimand us when our political leaders falter. Condemn us when we compromise the dignity of our people.”
Borders Are Artificial — Africa Is One
Hon. Ncube reminded Africans that colonial borders should never erase their shared heritage and identity.
“Our borders are temporary, but our bloodline is permanent. We are one people connected by history, culture and destiny. Artificial borders should never divide the African family.”
Reject Xenophobia, Embrace Unity
He concluded by urging African governments, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and ordinary citizens to reject xenophobia in all its forms and instead embrace unity, peace and cooperation as the foundation for Africa’s transformation.
Hon. Ncube said only through mutual respect, solidarity and the free movement of people, ideas and investment can Africa realise its enormous potential and achieve the vision of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous continent under Agenda 2063.