Heartbreaking Question from Son Prompts Congolese Dad to Speak Out Against Xenophobia in South Africa

A Congolese man married to a South African woman has expressed his deep concern over the rising tide of xenophobia in South Africa. This came after his son asked him a question that broke his heart: 'Dad, are you also leaving us on the 30th of June, since they don't want foreigners in South Africa?' The father, who is a Christian, noted that the anti-foreigner sentiment in the country has caused trauma and fear among children of African parents from different nationalities. Many of these children are now growing up confused and afraid, wondering if their family members and friends are welcome in South Africa. The man emphasized that what started as a political issue has unfortunately turned into hatred and hostility towards fellow Africans who are living, working, and raising families in the country. He called on Christians to remember that they are called to love their neighbors, show compassion, and treat others with dignity and respect. The father prayed that God would heal every heart filled with hatred, fear, xenophobia, and afrophobia, and replace it with love, understanding, and unity. He concluded by saying that love unites, while hatred divides, and that it is impossible to be filled with the Holy Spirit and deliberately hate people because of their nationality. He ended with a message of unity, saying 'One Africa. One Humanity. One Family.'