Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has condemned the latest wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa, describing it as a tragic betrayal of the country’s historic struggle for freedom and justice.

In a statement posted on social media, Tedros said he was deeply saddened by reports of renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals, which had reportedly left several people dead, displaced thousands of families and forced many others to flee for safety.

“It is profoundly heartbreaking to witness another surge of xenophobic violence in South Africa this week,” he said.

According to him, hundreds of people have marched on Parliament amid the unrest, while thousands of families have been displaced.

He recalled the support African nations gave South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle, stressing that the continent stood together in the fight against racial oppression.

The WHO chief highlighted Ethiopia’s historical support for the late former South African President, Nelson Mandela, noting that Ethiopia issued Mandela a passport in 1962 to enable him to travel across Africa during the liberation struggle.

He added that several other African countries also provided political, diplomatic and financial support to the anti-apartheid movement.

Tedros urged South Africans to address grievances through lawful channels rather than violence.

MEANWHILE, ‎the South African Consulate General in Lagos has reassured Nigerian travellers and investors that South Africa remains a safe and welcoming destination despite concerns arising from recent protests and reported incidents of violence involving foreign nationals in parts of the country.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Consulate General, South African authorities expressed concern over reports that some Nigerians had cancelled or revised their travel plans following media reports about unrest and attacks on foreign nationals.
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The consulate stressed that South Africa remained committed to the principles of constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and respect for the dignity and rights of all people. It said the government unequivocally condemned all acts of intimidation, violence, discrimination and unlawful conduct directed at any individual, including foreign nationals.
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The consulate stated that while concerns about illegal immigration remained a legitimate public issue, such matters must be addressed through lawful state institutions and processes rather than by private individuals or groups. It stressed that no citizen had the authority to take the law into their own hands.