By Emmanuel Nduka
Waves of condemnation are trailing fresh xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the latest of which came on Thursday from Mr. Moses Siloko Siasia, Chairman of Heritage Times HT and Convener of the African Heritage Awards.
In a strongly worded statement issued on his official X handle, Siasia condemned the latest attacks, warning of dire regional consequences if authorities fail to act decisively. His comments come amid renewed outrage over viral videos showing brutal assaults on foreign nationals, especially fellow Africans.
Siasia decried the violence as a betrayal of the country’s historic struggle for justice, stressing that continued inaction could erode longstanding alliances across the continent. He further highlighted the sacrifices made by African nations, particularly Nigeria and Ghana, in supporting South Africa’s liberation from apartheid, warning that such goodwill should not be forgotten in the face of rising hostility.
“I call on South African authorities to act now and protect every national on your soil, bring perpetrators to justice, dismantle the networks that enable this violence, and reaffirm the rule of law. Remember those who stood with you in the struggle against apartheid. It is utterly heartbreaking and unacceptable to witness the brutal, inhumane attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. The violence and xenophobia directed mostly at fellow Africans are a stain on the conscience of a nation that once stood for justice.
“When leadership fails, when institutions look the other way, and when a generation forgets the lessons of history, the consequences are catastrophic. If this is not stopped and punished swiftly, it risks provoking retaliation, regional instability, and the loss of hardwon allies. The world is watching, and history will judge whether you stood on the side of humanity or allowed hatred to prevail,” he stated.
He added that South Africa risks diplomatic isolation if the situation deteriorates further, cautioning that nations once regarded as allies may be reluctant to offer support in times of need. According to him, Nigeria alone committed an estimated $61 billion in aid and resources toward the anti-apartheid struggle, while Ghana also contributed significant financial and moral support, underscoring the depth of continental solidarity that now appears under strain.
