PANASA regretted what it described as the erosion of the spirit of “Ubuntu”, the philosophy of African shared humanity and solidarity that once symbolized South Africa's moral leadership during and after the anti-apartheid struggle.
“Xenophobia is in direct contradiction to human rights, dignity and the rule of law,” the association said. He said attacks targeting people on the basis of their nationality, ethnicity or origin are a violation of fundamental freedoms.
The association stressed that economic desperation can never justify violence against fellow Africans, noting that no person deserves to be deprived of dignity because they are a foreigner.
The students further warned that ongoing xenophobic violence poses a serious threat to regional peace and harms South Africa's democratic image on the continent and beyond.
“Violence against foreign nationals is a crime against humanity and a violation of the principles of the African Union and SADC,” the statement said.
Expressing solidarity with the victims, PANASA called on the South African government, civil society groups and local communities to promote dialogue, accountability and peaceful co-existence.
The association urged African leaders and citizens to reject division and instead strengthen unity across the continent.
The group concluded, “Stop the xenophobia, stop the killings, and let us promote a united Africa that transcends divisive borders.”