This archive report was first published on 15 September 2019.
On September 15, 2019, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dispatched high-ranking emissaries to reassure African countries following a wave of xenophobic attacks.
At least 12 people had been killed in the surge of mob violence targeting foreign-owned businesses and homes, mainly in and around Johannesburg since the start of the month.
As a result, hundreds of economic migrants from neighboring Zimbabwe and Mozambique had fled to shelters, while Nigeria had flown 600 of its citizens back home after they were targeted in the violence.
The mission, led by former minister Jeff Radebe, aimed to address the concerns of African countries and promote unity.
During his speech at Zimbabwe ex-leader Robert Mugabe's funeral in Harare, Ramaphosa apologized for the attacks, which had been prompted by unemployment and poverty.
"I stand before you as a fellow African to express my regret and apologise for what has happened in our country," Ramaphosa said at the state funeral.
His comments were met with cheers and blasts of air horns from the crowd.
