Xenophobia in Higher Education Discussed at Symposium in South Africa
At a symposium held at Stellenbosch University, it was stated that exclusionary practices restricting a sense of belonging must end for the internationalization of universities.
Xenophobia and exclusionary practices in higher education institutions were addressed at the UNESCO Chair on Intercultural Competences Spring Symposium held at Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
The Spread of Xenophobia
Although xenophobia in South Africa frequently makes headlines through violence or looting, exclusion processes begin at much earlier stages. According to Xenowatch data, 406 verified cases of xenophobic discrimination were recorded between 2022 and 2025.
Views of Executives and Experts
Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, Vice-Rector of Stellenbosch University, pointed out in his speech at the September 2026 symposium that xenophobia has spread to classrooms, residences, and workspaces. Meanwhile, former US Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool emphasized the existing contradiction by stating that the mobility of technology and capital is supported while human mobility is avoided.
Exclusionary Discourse in Academic Works
The book 'Academic Xenophobia', authored by Precious Simba, Cyrill Walters, and Jonathan Jansen, reveals how exclusion processes are produced through rules presented as neutral and everyday discourses.
The Role of Universities and Institutional Courage
Professor Jonathan Jansen from Stellenbosch University stated that universities are not nationalist businesses or government departments, and that they earn their intellectual legitimacy by resisting politics. It was also stated at the meeting that border regulations should be monitored, the curriculum should be handled on the basis of inclusivity, and leaders standing against xenophobia should be supported.