Advocacy group Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX) has welcomed the Department of Basic Education’s directive prohibiting vigilantism and violence in and around schools, saying it is a timely intervention amid rising anti-migrant sentiment across the country.
The organisation says the circular reinforces every child’s constitutional right to education, regardless of nationality or documentation status, and has called on provincial education departments, schools and communities to ensure the directive is fully implemented.
KAAX also urged the public to reject acts of vigilantism, stressing that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the state and must be carried out within the law.
Speaking to VOC News, KAAX representative Nothando Phuti said the directive comes at a critical time.
“We think this particular notice is very important given the current anti-migrant climate and the hostility we are witnessing across the country. It comes at a very timely and important period in South Africa’s democracy and demonstrates the importance of protecting the rights of children,” Phuti said.
She said attacks and intimidation targeting migrant children at schools
have become increasingly common over the past year despite legal efforts to curb vigilantism.
“For more than a year, we’ve seen a rise in attacks against children in schools and acts of vigilantism targeting learners. It has been an unfortunate reality. KAAX and other organisations have taken steps to counter this, including a successful High Court case against Operation Dudula. That court order prohibited vigilante groups from intimidating and harassing individuals identified as foreign nationals, including learners and school staff. Yet despite that ruling, vigilantism has continued in schools across the country,” she said.
Phuti said the latest directive sends a clear message that schools must remain safe spaces where every child can access education free from fear, intimidation and discrimination.
VOC News
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