Minister Nathi Mthethwa Calls Xenophobia a Nation‑Building Barrier

When Nathi Mthethwa, Minister of the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC), told reporters on April 15, 2015 that xenophobia is a "significant stumbling block to nation building," the nation was still reeling from a wave of attacks that had left more than 60 dead and hundreds injured.

He made the comment in Cape Town, just two weeks after the Social Cohesion Report‑Back SummitPort Elizabeth. The summit, convened by the DAC, was meant to measure progress since the historic 2012 Kliptown summit on social cohesion. "Social cohesion will only succeed through all‑round and interconnected efforts for social progress," Mthethwa said, echoing a definition that links power transfer to the democratic majority.

Background: Xenophobia in South Africa

South Africa has grappled with xenophobic outbursts since the early 2000s, but the 2015 incidents were distinctive in their scale and geographic spread. Over a ten‑day period in April and May, mobs targeted foreign-owned shops in Durban, Soweto, and even smaller townships, prompting a wave of retaliatory boycotts against South African businesses in Zambia and Mozambique.

According to the South African Police Service, 113 separate incidents were recorded between April 4 and May 12, 2015. The violence sparked condemnation from the United Nations, the European Union, and, for the first time, the African Union Peace and Security Council. African heads of state, including President Jacob Zuma’s counterpart in Tanzania, called for “swift justice and regional solidarity.”

Mthethwa’s Declaration and the Social Cohesion Summit

At the Port Elizabeth gathering, Mthethwa outlined five systemic challenges that he said impede a cohesive nation: economic inequality, spatial divisions, lack of social cooperation, prejudice and stereotypes, and a fragmented sense of unity and identity. He argued that unless these issues are tackled, efforts to curb xenophobia would amount to a “band‑aid solution.”

"We cannot build a nation on the backs of fear," he told a mixed audience of civil‑society leaders, academics, and provincial officials. In a moment that would become the headline of the week, he added, "Xenophobia is a stumbling block to nation building," framing intolerance as a direct threat to South Africa’s constitutional promise of equality.

Government Response: Campaigns and Partnerships

Within weeks, the DAC rolled out a multi‑pronged awareness drive. On May 3, 2015, Mthethwa launched the campaign at the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site he described as “a symbol of Africa’s shared heritage.” The event featured the unveiling of the "Passport of Patriotism" – a booklet highlighting contributions of African migrants to South African society.

Two flagship programmes were introduced:

1. Know Your Social Advocates – a school‑based module that brings diaspora representatives into classrooms.
2. Community dialogue tours that visit universities, workplaces, and municipal halls to debunk stereotypes.

Partnering with the Africa Diaspora Forum, the DAC enlisted its head, Marc Gbaffou, a Ghanaian-born activist representing migrants from 21 African nations. Gbaffou warned that “ignorance among young South Africans about the rest of Africa fuels the fire,” urging the government to promote “legal pathways and a clear amnesty process” for undocumented migrants.

Reactions from the African Diaspora and the AU

The diaspora’s response was a blend of hope and caution. While many welcomed the educational outreach, several leaders pressed for concrete legal reforms. A petition submitted to the Department of Home Affairs on June 12, 2015 called for the regularisation of 1.3 million undocumented African migrants, citing the Constitution’s right to dignity.

The AU’s involvement, though largely diplomatic, signalled a shift in continental perception. During a special session on June 29, the Peace and Security Council passed a resolution urging member states to “adopt preventative measures against xenophobic violence” and to support South Africa’s reconciliation efforts.

Implications for Nation‑Building and Future Steps

The Mthethwa declaration has anchored xenophobia within the broader narrative of nation‑building. By linking intolerance to economic and spatial inequities, the government is signalling that tackling prejudice requires structural change – a stance resonant with the Ubuntu philosophy of shared humanity.

Yet challenges remain. Critics argue that the campaign’s focus on awareness overlooks the urgent need for law‑enforcement reforms. In a parliamentary debate on May 15, 2016, opposition MP Mmusi Maimane asked, “Where are the prosecutions for the perpetrators of the 2015 attacks?” The Minister’s reply highlighted ongoing investigations but offered no timeline.

Looking ahead, the DAC plans a second “Year of Africa” initiative slated for 2020, which will expand the school programme to 500 additional institutions and introduce a digital storytelling platform. Whether these measures will translate into a measurable decline in xenophobic incidents remains to be seen.

• April 15 2015 – Mthethwa labels xenophobia a nation‑building obstacle.
• March 30 2015 – Social Cohesion Summit in Port Elizabeth identifies five systemic barriers.
• May 3 2015 – Campaign launch at Cradle of Humankind.
• June 12 2015 – Diaspora petitions for 1.3 million migrants’ regularisation.
• June 29 2015 – AU Peace and Security Council discusses South African xenophobia.