South Africa's xenophobic tendencies threaten national dream, says NWU principal

Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice chancellor of the North-West University NWU, expresses dismay at the large-scale violence targeting illegal immigrants in South Africa. He recalls the nation's promise of moral leadership after Nelson Mandela's release in 1990 and the first democratic elections in 1994, contrasting it with the current threat of xenophobia. Tyobeka emphasizes that while illegal immigration is a concern due to limited resources, violence is never the solution. He argues that governments failing to manage immigration properly often lead to migrants becoming scapegoats. Drawing on the university's ethos of a "community united as a whole," he highlights the value of international lecturers, researchers, and students for scientific advancement and intellectual growth. Tyobeka notes that the public often blurs the distinction between lawful migrants, refugees, international students, and those who circumvent immigration law. He asserts that public universities should demonstrate that openness and order are complementary, not opposing, ideals. He cites research from The Economist, World Bank, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development suggesting that foreign-born residents, who constitute about 5% of South Africa's population, are often net job creators and less likely to commit crimes. Tyobeka concludes that South Africa must reject xenophobia, enforce immigration law, and continue building inclusive universities, urging the nation to protect the l