UCT condemns xenophobic attacks on African immigrants

The University of Cape Town expresses its abhorrence and deep concern over the rise of xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in Kwazulu-Natal, Gauteng and other places around our country. We condemn such attacks and call on all parties to increase efforts to restore law and order. Of particular concern is the loss of life, the looting and general criminality that have accompanied these attacks. Such behaviour is destructive to South African society as a whole.

An inclusive and diverse society recognises the important contributions made to South Africa by international visitors, scholars, students and workers. At universities, in particular, we recognize the enormous contribution by scholars and students from other African countries who come to enrich the level of teaching, learning and research in higher education across South Africa.

These contributions are critically important in making universities globally competitive and in helping to address the many developmental and other questions facing our society. Students at UCT from other African countries are involved in a number of community development initiatives, through which they make a meaningful contribution to the development of communities across the greater Cape Town. They contribute enormously to the quality of campus life at UCT.

I urge students and staff and members of the public to raise their voices against this horror. There can be no theorizing, no excuse, no reason for these murderous atrocities. It shames our country.

Dr Max Price
Vice-Chancellor

Media release issued by Pat Lucas, Manager: UCT Communications and Media Liaison Department. Email: pat.lucas@uct.ac.za