Fears Of Xenophobic Attacks On South Africa’s Youth Day

Some South Africans are reportedly calling for violent “operations” targeting foreign nationals on 16 June 2025, which is a public holiday.

16 June is Youth Day in South Africa, a public holiday that marks the anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when thousands of students protested against the apartheid government’s education policies.

In a media statement released today, Sunday 15 June 2025, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said it’s aware of the violent messages being shared, has informed the National Police Commissioner, and will be keeping a close eye on the situation. The SAHRC said:

We have already alerted the National Commissioner of Police and will keep these calls under close watch, reserving the right to pursue charges under the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 should they amount to criminal incitement.

While the Commission does not dismiss genuine grievances about crime or service delivery, we remind the public that freedom of expression does not extend to speech that incites hatred or violence.

The SAHRC urged people to report any suspected criminal or illegal activity to the police or other proper authorities, rather than trying to deal with it themselves.

They also encouraged everyone to check out the SAHRC’s Social Media Charter for tips on how to behave responsibly online. The Commission added:

Together with law-enforcement agencies and civil-society partners, the SAHRC will continue to safeguard the dignity, equality and security of every person in South Africa.

The Commission is encouraged by the confirmation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation “Hawks” that it will urgently look into this matter.

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SAHRC Calls For Calm As Attacks On Foreign Nationals Flare In KwaZulu-Natal SA: 150 Foreign Nationals Sleep Outside Durban Centre After Threats