Latest news with #xenophobia
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
‘Xenophobic': US ban on Chinese student visas provokes backlash from Americans and Beijing
The Chinese embassy in Washington lodged a 'solemn démarche with the US side without delay' on Thursday amid a growing backlash, including accusations of xenophobia, within the United States towards its decision to 'aggressively' revoke Chinese student visas Advertisement The démarche – a form of official diplomatic protest – comes a day after Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that his department would work with the Department of Homeland Security to cancel the visas of Chinese students, including those in 'critical fields' and with 'connections' to the Communist Party, as well as increase scrutiny of future visa applicants from mainland China and Hong Kong. China's foreign ministry had hit back against the move earlier in the day, but the embassy's move marks an escalation. 03:40 Absurd, anxious, concerned: Students react to US revoking Chinese student visas Absurd, anxious, concerned: Students react to US revoking Chinese student visas While démarches are a routine diplomatic tool, they are not usually delivered publicly. 'The Chinese side is firmly opposed to this politically motivated and discriminatory action,' the embassy said in a statement. 'The Chinese embassy in the United States has lodged a solemn démarche with the US side without delay, urging the US government to immediately correct its mistakes and ensure the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students.' Advertisement The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. At a briefing with reporters earlier in the day, department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said Rubio's decision was crucial to protecting US national security, accusing Beijing of 'exploitation of US universities or theft of US research'.
CNA
28-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Venezuelan Navarro reports xenophobic remark during Copa Libertadores clash
Talleres midfielder Miguel Navarro from Venezuela said Sao Paulo opponent Damian Bobadilla made a xenophobic remark during Tuesday's Copa Libertadores clash, which saw the Brazilian side beat the Argentinian team 2-1. The incident occurred late in the match after Luciano da Rocha Neves had scored the winning goal, sparking tensions on the pitch. According to Navarro, an exchange of words turned bitter when Bobadilla allegedly said: "You starving Venezuelan". "I wish I could have in my hands the solution to the hunger that my country is experiencing, I hope that God gives me abundance to be able to help. I don't think much can be done about mental poverty," Navarro said on social media. "I will never be ashamed of my roots, I will go to the last consequences in the face of the act of xenophobia that I experienced today in Brazil at the hands of Damian Bobadilla. In football there is no room for hate speech," he added. According to Brazilian media, Navarro reported the verbal abuse to local police, although authorities arrived at Talleres' dressing room after Bobadilla had left the stadium. Bobadilla issued an apology through a video posted on social media on Wednesday. "We exchanged some rough words. I was offended at first but I apologise because, in the heat of the moment, I reacted badly. It wasn't my intention to discriminate. If I get the chance to talk to Miguel, I will apologise to him directly," the Paraguayan midfielder said.
Reuters
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Venezuelan Navarro reports xenophobic remark during Copa Libertadores clash
May 28 (Reuters) - Talleres midfielder Miguel Navarro from Venezuela said Sao Paulo opponent Damian Bobadilla made a xenophobic remark during Tuesday's Copa Libertadores clash, which saw the Brazilian side beat the Argentinian team 2-1. The incident occurred late in the match after Luciano da Rocha Neves had scored the winning goal, sparking tensions on the pitch. According to Navarro, an exchange of words turned bitter when Bobadilla allegedly said: "You starving Venezuelan". "I wish I could have in my hands the solution to the hunger that my country is experiencing, I hope that God gives me abundance to be able to help. I don't think much can be done about mental poverty," Navarro said on social media. "I will never be ashamed of my roots, I will go to the last consequences in the face of the act of xenophobia that I experienced today in Brazil at the hands of Damian Bobadilla. In football there is no room for hate speech," he added. According to Brazilian media, Navarro reported the verbal abuse to local police, although authorities arrived at Talleres' dressing room after Bobadilla had left the stadium. Bobadilla issued an apology through a video posted on social media on Wednesday. "We exchanged some rough words. I was offended at first but I apologise because, in the heat of the moment, I reacted badly. It wasn't my intention to discriminate. If I get the chance to talk to Miguel, I will apologise to him directly," the Paraguayan midfielder said.
Mail & Guardian
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
Universities defend hiring of foreign staff
Academics say claims by politicians and on social media are fueling xenophobia and could compromise their safety. Photo: Julian Stratenschulte/picture alliance /Getty Images Claims by politicians that South African universities are hiring more foreigners than locals for posts are stoking In parliament earlier this month, Reports of this sparked outrage on social media, with some users accusing institutions including the University of Fort Hare, University of the Free State, the University of Pretoria and the University of the Witwatersrand of being biased against local academics. Some posted lists of the names of foreigners they claimed had been hired. 'If a narrative such as this begins to take hold, if it becomes something that people believe to be true, then my concern is that that would generate a hostile environment — for international academics, specifically for African international academics — which can make life and work in South Africa profoundly difficult,' said Alf Nielsen, a Norwegian professor and director of the Centre for Asian Studies in Africa at the University of Pretoria. 'It's important to note that it's already quite challenging for most of us to be international academics, in terms of the difficulties that we experience with renewing our work permits, where rejection is more of a rule and an exception, despite the fact that you've worked at an institution in South Africa for quite a long time.' One list which was posted on social media was of academics at the University of Pretoria's Centre for Human Rights. The director of the Department of Institutional Advancement at the university, Rikus Delport, said it 'unequivocally rejects the false and misinformed commentary circulating regarding the staff composition of the Centre for Human Rights'. 'All academic staff are South Africans or permanent residents of the country and bring invaluable continental expertise that enhances the quality and relevance of the centre's academic and advocacy work,' Delport told the Mail & Guardian. 'The diversity of the centre's academic team is not incidental — it is essential. It directly reflects the centre's mandate to engage with human rights issues across Africa with depth, credibility and authenticity,' he said. He added that, overall, the university's law faculty exceeded the government's employment equity target. Parliament's portfolio committee on higher education said it was concerned about the University of the Free State's employment of 141 foreign academics and 26 foreign support staff and in March visited institutions of higher learning in the province to assess whether transformation, legislation and employment equity policies were being implemented. (Graphic: John McCann/M&G) Chairperson Walter Tebogo Letsie told the M&G that the committee 'observed non-adherence legislation as some institutions employed foreign nationals in non-scarce skills positions, despite South Africans having qualifications, skills and competencies to execute the duties of such positions'. 'Why are South Africans overlooked, even when they meet the requirements?' he asked. Following attacks that appeared on social media, the 'There are no legal quotas restricting the hiring of international academic staff. 'Many emerging markets around the world strive for international academic representation of 10% to 15% as a means to promote diversity, spur innovation and collaborate on research,' it said in a 'According to our most recent audited data, 81% of [our] academic staff are South African, while 19% are international.' Asked about reports of his committee requesting information from universities on the number and qualifications of the international staff they employed, Letsie said it would seek to 'ensure that their appointments adhere to the policy'. He said that universities must take responsibility 'where there is evidence of transgression' of the Employment Service Act. Responding to the xenophobic comments circulating on social media, Letsie said the portfolio committee sought to ensure that foreign academics, who are welcome in the country, 'meet all the legal requirements, have qualifications and that they have skills that South Africans do not'. Senior journalism and media studies lecturer at Wits University, Zimbabwean-born Collen Chambwera, said that while the nature of social media was generally 'anarchic' he was more concerned about false claims coming from political figures. 'Politicians are supposed to be more responsible than social media, you would think, and officialising something like listing names of foreign nationals who are employed by universities — I think it's reckless,' he said. The Free State's Central University of Technology did not respond to questions from the M&G.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
The unspoken debt: How South Africa benefited from Zimbabwe's collapse
In the face of growing xenophobic attitudes in South Africa, a troubling narrative has emerged — one that paints Zimbabwean migrants as burdens to the nation. 'We don't owe Zimbabwe anything,' some say. Yet, this oversimplified view ignores the complex, intertwined history and economic reality between our two nations. The truth is, South Africa has benefited — directly and indirectly — from Zimbabwe's political and economic collapse. When Zimbabwe's economy crumbled in the early 2000s, thousands fled to South Africa in search of work and safety. Though some entered undocumented, the overwhelming majority contributed meaningfully to society. These migrants — teachers, nurses, engineers, gardeners, builders and domestic workers — helped fill vital gaps in South Africa's labour market, often for lower wages. This not only benefited households and employers but bolstered entire industries from agriculture to private healthcare. Despite popular belief, migrants do pay taxes. Documented or not, every Zimbabwean, or any foreigner for that matter, who buys bread, clothing, or airtime contributes to VAT. Those who work formally pay income taxes and contribute to the Unemployment Insurance Fund — even though many are not eligible to claim from it. They pay rent, support local businesses and invest in township economies. To dismiss these contributions is to erase a hidden pillar of South Africa's economic structure. Beyond economics lies a deeper historical truth. During South Africa's dark years under apartheid, Zimbabwe offered refuge to liberation movements. The ANC operated camps, training facilities, and offices in Zimbabwe, where comrades found support, shelter and safety. Zimbabweans paid a heavy price for their solidarity — facing bombings, political pressure and retaliation from the apartheid regime. Their loyalty wasn't transactional; it was a moral stance rooted in Pan-African brotherhood. And yet, today, many Zimbabweans are repaid with humiliation. A recent video of a pregnant Zimbabwean woman being insulted and chased from a South African hospital reflects a society that has forgotten its roots. The issue is not about borders or entitlement — it's about basic humanity. South Africans who argue, 'We're the ones paying taxes,' overlook how Zimbabwean collapse has created economic opportunities here. South African-owned retail giants like Pick n Pay and Shoprite expanded into Zimbabwe, profiting despite the economic downturn. Local manufacturers saw reduced competition as Zimbabwean industries fell apart. Even informal sectors — such as cross-border trading and foreign exchange — grew stronger with Zimbabwean involvement. No one is asking for handouts. Zimbabweans are not demanding ownership of what's not theirs. What is being asked for is dignity, truth and perspective. To those who believe migrants have nothing to offer, history and data say otherwise. To those who believe they're carrying the nation alone, they should consider who is helping hold it up from behind the scenes. At the same time, it is important to reflect inward. Zimbabweans must continue to advocate for better leadership, reforms and policies in their home country. The dream is not permanent migration — it's a Zimbabwe where people feel safe, respected, and economically empowered to stay. South Africa should not be a place of escape, but a sister nation that welcomes rather than wounds. Let this not be a message of division but a reminder of connection. For South Africa to become the true beacon of hope on the continent, it must live up to the values it once fought for — freedom, equality and ubuntu. This cannot exist where prejudice thrives. PS Ngonyama is a Zimbabwean writer and social commentator living in South Africa. With lived experience of migration and cross-border issues, they advocate for dignity, regional solidarity and truth-telling through writing and storytelling. © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
