South Africa's Xulu Defends Nation Against Xenophobia Claims

On October 13, during the 47th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society of International Law in Lagos, Ms Kgothatso Xulu, the Acting Consul-General of South Africa, reported that 364 people were arrested in connection with attacks on African migrants. She defended South Africa against claims of xenophobia, stating that the actions of a small group should not define the entire nation.

Xulu urged African countries to address the underlying economic issues that drive migration, advocating for trade and business opportunities rather than desperation. She linked these challenges to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasizing that trade should create markets rather than serve as a means of survival.

Additionally, Xulu defended the constitutional right to peaceful protests in South Africa, arguing that public demonstrations should not be labeled as violent simply due to their size or visibility.