“Before I knew better, I didn’t know I was being xenophobic.” This quiet confession from Thabo Mopasi of the Alex Peace Ambassadors set the tone for a transformative Community Dialogue on Migrants’ Rights and Social Cohesion, held at Alexandra’s SanKopano Centre on October 9.

The dialogue was a reckoning, especially in a community where migration is often politicised and misunderstood. The gathering brought together residents, civil society organisations, NGOs, and government representatives to confront hard truths about the rights of migrants and build bridges to foster social cohesion.

Read more: Salvation Army shifts GBV response from outrage to action

The dialogue was organised by the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA) and the Alex Peace Ambassadors to address hate speech, xenophobia and the fragile threads of social cohesion among South Africans and migrants.

Mopasi spoke candidly about the power of civic literacy and the need to unlearn harmful behaviours. “We are governed by law,” he said, “and today we want to ensure that everyone leaves here having learnt something new.”

His remarks on derogatory language and unconscious bias reminded attendees that peace begins with personal accountability.

Thifulufheli Sinthumule, the director of CoRMSA, challenged the audience to ask: ‘What does it take to truly live together?’

He emphasised that understanding the legal frameworks protecting migrants and asylum seekers is key to dismantling prejudice and fostering inclusion.

Tumelo Mogale from Lawyers for Human Rights (LFHR) offered legal clarity on hate crimes and speech, and outlined LFHR’s work supporting vulnerable communities.

Also read: Residents threaten weekly protests if Alexandra police management doesn’t step down

The dialogue also addressed community concerns about illegal immigration and business practices, including allegations of unlawful card surcharges in local spaza shops.

Yet, beyond the tensions, the event created space for empathy and growth. Attendees were urged to see migrants not as outsiders, but as neighbours with rights and stories.

To close the event, participants were encouraged to break into small groups and actively explore practical strategies for promoting social cohesion and addressing migrant-related issues in their communities with empathy, respect, and a commitment to peaceful engagement.

The exercise served as a reminder to community members that inclusion does not just happen, but it must be built, protected, and lived.

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!