18–19 November 2025 — Gqeberha, South Africa
The Centre for Human Rights hosted a two-day Community Leadership and Human Rights Training Workshop in Gqeberha from 18 to 19 November 2025. The event brought together 37 participants, including community leaders, civil society actors, educators, healthcare workers, students, high school learners, faith-based representatives, and members of migrant and refugee communities. The workshop aimed to deepen understanding of human rights and migration, promote constructive dialogue, and strengthen social cohesion at the community level.
The training took place amid persistent anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa. In the lead-up to the 2026 municipal elections, public debate on migration has become increasingly polarised, with some political actors using anti-immigrant rhetoric to mobilise support. These dynamics have fuelled concerns about xenophobia and misinformation, underscoring the need for informed community engagement. Against this backdrop, the workshop provided a timely platform for reflection and for developing community-driven strategies to counter harmful narratives.
Sessions were facilitated by representatives from the Centre for Human Rights, Africa Unite, South African Human Rights Commission, Department of Home Affairs in Gqeberha, and Moxii Africa (formerly known as Media Monitoring Africa), and the Akinamama Oyee Women's Group. Participants examined foundational human rights concepts, the legal framework for migrant protection in South Africa, health and refugee rights, and international and regional migration standards. They also engaged in interactive activities on identifying misinformation, explored media narratives, and heard personal testimonies from members of migrant communities.
During group discussions, participants outlined several challenges facing migrant and refugee communities. These included prolonged delays and rejections in Home Affairs applications, limited awareness of asylum procedures, targeted attacks on migrant-owned businesses, and experiences of corruption and harassment. They also noted unresponsiveness from the Department when assistance is needed, the use of derogatory terms such as kwerekwere, and persistent misconceptions linking migrants to crime. Participants highlighted the need for fact-based conversations on migration in a climate where misinformation fuels fear and mistrust.
Some participants reflected on the broader social context influencing attitudes toward migrants. They pointed to the long-term effects of apartheid on social relations and stressed the importance of empathy in building understanding between communities. One participant observed that “we can’t expect compassion from someone who has never been shown compassion,” encouraging deeper reflection on the challenges faced by South African nationals as well.
Despite these concerns, several participants shared positive experiences of inclusion. A Grade 11 learner explained that although he occasionally encountered name-calling, he felt safe in his community and was treated fairly in school, where he had been given equal opportunities and had achieved success based on merit. His experience demonstrated the potential for creating supportive environments for migrant and foreign-born learners.
Participants recommended enhancing human rights and migration education across schools, communities, and faith-based settings; broadening youth leadership opportunities; promoting responsible media practices; and supporting grassroots initiatives that cultivate inclusion and solidarity. They further underscored the central role of educators and faith leaders in fostering empathy, guiding social values, and upholding the principles of Ubuntu.
Feedback on the workshop was highly positive. Participants described the sessions as engaging, practical, and insightful, noting that they provided tools and strategies they intend to use in their community engagements. Several expressed a desire for longer sessions, given the depth of issues addressed. While acknowledging ongoing challenges such as language barriers and limited resources, participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting inclusive leadership and social cohesion.
The workshop concluded with expressions of gratitude to participants and facilitators for their active engagement, and a call to sustain collaboration and apply the knowledge gained to strengthen human rights and community relations.
The Centre for Human Rights, through its Migrants’ Rights Unit, remains committed to promoting and protecting the rights of migrants and fostering solidarity between migrant and host communities. This work continues through training workshops, community dialogues, and broader capacity-building initiatives. The dialogue was made possible with the financial support of the European Union Delegation to South Africa.
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