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Pityana condemns anti-migrant violence at Africa diaspora conference

Published

Dr Barney Pityana, a former Unisa vice-chancellor, said anti-migrant violence in South Africa has left people dead and caused millions of rands in property damage. He spoke on the opening day of the conference and called for global action against racism and genocide.

Pityana spoke at the Africa and African Diaspora Conference in Ekurhuleni on Monday. He also spoke about Gaza and the West Bank. He said there is a genocide in Gaza and a continuing genocide in the West Bank, and that it has lasted three years in Gaza.

Pityana said the victims feel the world is watching in silence. He also said it may look as if all the energies, efforts and struggles of the past have come to nought.

The conference ends on Friday. Organisers will produce a declaration and action plans.

Reports said a foreign national died, allegedly after being attacked. A group called March and March leads anti-migration protests across the country.

Key facts

Who
Barney Pityana (Leading intellectual; former vice-chancellor of Unisa and erstwhile chair of…); March and March (Anti-migration group leading protests across the country)
What
Pityana, speaking at the Africa and African Diaspora Conference, condemned anti-migrant violence in SA that has left people dead and caused millions of rands in property damage, and called for global action against racism and genocide. The conference ends on Friday and will have a declaration and action plans.
When
26 October 2026
Where
Ekurhuleni, South Africa, Gaza
Status
Reported

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