The University of Johannesburg (UJ) held a peaceful protest on 20 April, where it encouraged its students and staff members to march against the increasing concern of xenophobia.
The university took a firm stand against the disgraceful spate of xenophobic attacks currently gripping much of South Africa.
UJ strongly condemned the violence against fellow Africans and other foreigners.
The university’s coordinator of media relations Herman Esterhuizen said, “As South Africans, who owe so much to the international community, particularly other countries on our continent, we are deeply distressed about these attacks,” he said.
The event started at the Sanlam Auditorium on the Auckland Park Kingsway campus at 12:00pm. The demonstration was led by UJ Vice-Chancellor and principal,Prof Ihron Rensburg and other members of UJ Leadership. This demonstration showcased UJ’s solidarity with their international students and employees and the wider international community in South Africa.
Students and staff members danced, sang and spoke out together against the blight of xenophobic attacks that have occurred in the last month.
Professor and head at the Department of Religion Studies Farid Esack pointed out how frail our sense of humanity will become if we ignore the violence that is caused by xenophobia.
“Our own humanity is only affirmed by our ability to defend the humanity of others,” he said.
In addition to the official speakers, a representative from the Department of Arts and Culture Grace Meadows was asked to recite the official pledge of the University of Johannesburg, with the crowd repeating after her.
Rensburg said the protest demonstrated that the vast majority of the people at the university and community are freedom-loving, caring, and peaceful.
“All we need to do is stand as one and everyone will rise up together. We have to say no to xenophobia. It’s simply not up for discussion otherwise,” he said.
Ward 69 councillor Katja Naumann was also present at the protest demonstration and said she was proud to be part of this initiative.
“I congratulate UJ on their firm and unwavering stance against xenophobia. It is vital that all foreigners visiting the suburbs around the university feel at home and safe,” she said.
