ASUU and Scholars Condemn South Africa Xenophobia at Mandela Event

Scholars and Activists Condemn Xenophobia at Mandela Day Event

Participants at the event lamented that recent incidents, which have forced African immigrants—including Nigerians—to abandon businesses and return home, represent a significant departure from the values of unity, dignity, and peaceful coexistence championed by the late Nelson Mandela.

ASUU Calls for Justice and Accountability

The leadership of ASUU utilized the forum to demand justice for victims of the violence. The union insisted that perpetrators of xenophobic attacks must be punished and that compensation must be provided to those who lost their lives or properties during the incidents.

In a statement delivered on behalf of ASUU President Professor Christopher Piwuna by Comrade Zubairu Abdulmumini, the ASUU Chairman of the Nasarawa State University Chapter, the union noted that Mandela’s legacy of reconciliation should serve as a model for the continent. ASUU argued that Mandela, despite his 27-year imprisonment, chose nation-building over vengeance. The union urged the South African government, civil society, labor unions, and youth movements to reject divisive identity politics and reaffirm Pan-African values.

Concerns Over External Influence and Regional Stability

The event also featured discussions regarding the potential role of external actors in destabilizing African nations. Comrade John Odah, Chairman of the Governing Council of the CDD and former General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, suggested that current crises in Nigeria and South Africa might be fueled by extra-continental forces seeking to undermine the potential of both nations.

What they are trying to do is to scatter it, Odah stated, referring to efforts to derail the dream of a united Africa. He cautioned that the vision established by the founders of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963 must be protected against those who seek to exploit resources by sowing division.

Reflecting on Mandela’s Democratic Ideals

Professor Attahiru Jega, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Nasarawa State University, served as the event’s chairman. Represented by Mr. Thomas Ari Ogiri, a member of the university’s Governing Council, Jega remarked that Mandela’s struggle was for universal values of justice and human rights that transcend borders. He emphasized that the recent xenophobic incidents contradict the democratic ideals of sacrifice and tolerance that Mandela stood for.

Speakers concluded that Nelson Mandela International Day should serve as more than a symbolic celebration, acting instead as a call to confront discrimination and political manipulation across the continent.

Sources: Thisdaylive, independent.ng.