Diocese of Grahamstown

Statement on Xenophobia in South Africa

Statement by the Most Revd Thabo Makgoba, Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town

Much of the appalling violence being inflicted by our people on foreigners in Alexandra and elsewhere is rooted in deep frustration arising from our failure to distribute the gains of economic growth in South Africa to all. But it is unacceptable for those who suffer poverty and deprivation to express their anger by attacking others who are also suffering from poverty and deprivation. Sadly, foreign people are labelled, abused and killed, but those from other countries who live among us are just as much our neighbours, whom we are commanded by Jesus to love as ourselves, as are South Africans.  Foreign nationals are God’s people too.

The Most Revd Thabo Makgoba

Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town

May 15, 2008

 

Top of the Document