Mozambique: South African Diplomat Issues Apology Over Recent Acts of Xenophobia
[AIM] Maputo -- The newly designated South African High Commissioner to Mozambique, JT Pitswane, on Wednesday issued a formal apology to Mozambicans over recent acts of xenophobia in his territory, describing the attacks as contrary to the historic ties of friendship between the two nations.
Maputo — South Africa's newly appointed High Commissioner to Mozambique, JT Pitswane, has issued an official apology for acts of xenophobia targeting Mozambicans in recent months. These xenophobic incidents, which have involved anti-migrant protests and targeted black Africans, have led to discrimination, looting, displacement, harassment, and deadly riots in informal settlements.
Thousands of Mozambicans have been forced to leave their homes and livelihoods, facing insecurity and threats. South African political parties such as Action SA and Inkatha Freedom Party also joined the demonstrations, claiming they were protesting undocumented migrants. Mozambican President Daniel Chapo, receiving credentials of diplomats from eight countries, praised the apology, stating that Mozambicans and South Africans are bound by deep social, cultural, and economic ties.
He proposed an organized management framework for labor flows, including temporary visas for seasonal work, to prevent illegal migration. Both nations agreed to strengthen diplomatic dialogue to ensure the safe departure of undocumented migrants from South Africa and respect their human rights. Chapo will visit Durban to attend the SADC Summit, and both countries will discuss key sectors for investment and bilateral knowledge exchange, including agriculture, natural gas, mining, fisheries, trade, digitalization, regional integration, and security.
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