South Africa marked Nelson Mandela International Day on Friday amid growing debate over the country's immigration policies and the meaning of the late leader's legacy.
The controversy follows plans by anti-immigration group March and March to use Mandela Day activities to identify undocumented migrants and businesses allegedly employing them illegally in the Eastern Cape, Mandela's home province. The group says its campaign aims to push for stricter immigration enforcement and greater job opportunities for South Africans.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation strongly condemned the move, saying Mandela Day should promote compassion, dialogue and community service rather than division. The Foundation stressed that using Mandela's name to target migrants goes against the values of justice, equality and human dignity that he championed throughout his life.
Observed annually on July 18, Mandela Day encourages people to dedicate 67 minutes to community service in honour of the 67 years Nelson Mandela spent fighting for freedom, equality and human rights.
South Africa continues to face major economic challenges, including high unemployment, poverty and inequality. While some groups blame undocumented migrants for worsening these problems, rights advocates argue that government failures—not migration—are the root causes.
Government officials have condemned xenophobia while stepping up immigration enforcement, reporting that more than 53,000 foreign nationals have been deported or repatriated since a nationwide operation began.
ANC Veterans' League President Snuki Zikalala, who worked alongside Mandela, said the former president would never have supported campaigns targeting African migrants, urging South Africans to uphold Mandela's values of unity and respect for human dignity.
This year's Mandela Day theme, "It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity," has renewed discussions about how Mandela's legacy should guide South Africa as it confronts economic hardship, social inequality and political divisions.
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