By Tshwene-kalie Nathan Senyane – The Justice, Peace and Development Commission in the archdiocese of Durban has begun visiting parishes in response to growing tensions surrounding foreign nationals in parts of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.
The commission says it is concerned about what it describes as “lawlessness” linked to marches and campaigns targeting migrants and refugees. According to the commission, some political interests are allegedly using certain protest movements to advance anti-foreigner narratives.
Commission coordinator Fr Mxolisi Sibisi has been visiting parishes with large migrant communities to encourage calm, legal compliance and social integration. The visits also aim to reassure foreign nationals that the Catholic Church stands against intimidation and unlawful demands for documentation by private individuals or groups.
The commission stressed that migrants and refugees should ensure their documentation is valid and that they live within the law, while also warning against corruption and illegal activity.
One recent visit took place at St Anne’s parish, led by Fr Rocco Ssekweyame — himself a foreign-born priest serving in the archdiocese. Members of the Malawian Catholic community gathered with Fr Sibisi after Mass for a photograph symbolising solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
According to the commission, the Malawian community at the parish has integrated well into local life and enjoys strong support and protection from residents of Chesterville.
The initiative forms part of broader Church efforts in Durban to promote peace, social cohesion and respect for the dignity of migrants amid periodic outbreaks of xenophobic rhetoric and protest activity in South Africa.
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