South Africa Challenges WHO’s Report on Immigrant Deaths
South African officials have pushed back against a World Health Organization (WHO) statement that linked recent violence to the deaths of Ethiopian and Mozambican nationals. Government spokespeople say the WHO’s characterization misrepresents the incidents and risks inflaming already tense public discourse.
Government’s Response to WHO Claims
In early March 2024, WHO Director‑General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters that at least five Ethiopian and five Mozambican citizens had been killed, with thousands more displaced during anti‑immigrant protests across the country. The Presidency responded swiftly, calling the figures “incorrect” and urging the WHO to verify its data before publication.
Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), said:
“The available information suggests these incidents are the result of organized crime rather than xenophobic violence. Law‑enforcement agencies are actively investigating the cases.”
The Presidency echoed this stance in a Monday statement, announcing that South Africa would formally task the WHO with ensuring that any information it receives about the events is “accurate and reliable.”
Officials Emphasize Ongoing Criminal Investigations
Both the Presidency and DIRCO stressed that the deaths are being treated as criminal matters, not as evidence of systematic xenophobia. Key points highlighted by officials include:
- South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to investigate all reported fatalities involving Ethiopian and Mozambican nationals.
- Authorities have reiterated that only duly mandated law‑enforcement officers may enforce immigration rules, rejecting any form of vigilante action.
- Condolences have been extended to the families of the deceased, while the government maintains that the underlying causes are linked to organized criminal networks.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office added that the government remains committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law, even as it disputes the WHO’s framing of the events.
Broader Immigration Tensions in the Country
The dispute unfolds against a backdrop of rising anxiety over migration in South Africa. High unemployment, strained public services, and competition for jobs have fueled anti‑foreigner sentiment in several communities, particularly in KwaZulu‑Natal and the Western Cape.
The United Nations has acknowledged these socio‑economic pressures, warning that any response must remain lawful and grounded in human‑rights principles. International observers note that misinformation about migrant‑related violence can exacerbate social fractures and hinder efforts to promote cohesion.
International Reaction and Calls for Accuracy
WHO has pledged to continue supporting social‑cohesion initiatives, improving service delivery, and countering misinformation. The organization says it will expand cooperation with provincial and local authorities in crisis‑affected regions to ensure that future reporting reflects verified facts.
Analysts suggest that the episode underscores the importance of transparent communication between global health bodies and national governments, especially when reporting on incidents that carry significant political and social weight.
