Just one day before a planned nationwide shutdown targeting undocumented migrants, nearly 100 representatives from government, Chapter 9 institutions, civil society, academia, migrant-led organisations, faith communities, media, youth organisations and international and development partners gathered with a common purpose: to reject hate speech and reaffirm that South Africa’s democracy must be built on dignity, inclusion and respect for human rights.
Convened by UNESCO through its Social Media for Peace (SM4P) initiative, together with the Social Media for Peace South Africa (SM4PSA) Coalition and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), the #NoToHate Dialogue on Countering Hate Speech and Strengthening Social Cohesion took place on 29 June 2026 at a critical moment. With anti-migrant mobilisation intensifying ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections and a national protest planned on the following day, 30 June, the dialogue created a much-needed platform for honest conversations, evidence-based solutions and collective action against xenophobia and online hate.
SM4P partners
The dialogue recognised that while South Africans face genuine challenges, these cannot be solved by scapegoating migrants or other vulnerable communities. Instead, they called for the strengthening of democratic institutions, and greater efforts to protect information integrity and social cohesion.
Opening the dialogue, SAHRC, Commissioner Rev Chris Nissen, emphasised that confronting difficult issues should never come at the expense of human dignity.
The aim of this dialogue is not to avoid difficult conversations. But there is a difference between debating policies and dehumanising people. Words do not remain online or harmless. They shape belonging, determine who is protected and who is exposed, and can prepare the ground for exclusion and violence. Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of our democracy, but it is not a license to threaten, intimidate or incite harm against vulnerable groups.
SAHRC Commissioner, Rev Chris Nissen
Speaking on behalf of UNESCO, Al Amin Yusuph, Advisor for Communication and Information, warned that the world is facing an unprecedented crisis of information integrity as coordinated hate campaigns continue to fuel division.
Weaponised hate speech is expanding rapidly. We are witnessing deliberate campaigns designed to create ethnic and social division, weaken the rule of law and jeopardise peaceful societies. Every word we choose, every narrative we amplify and every platform we build has the power either to bring communities together or to tear them apart.
UNESCO Advisor for Communication and Information, Al Amin Yusuph.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, William Bird, from Moxii Africa, representing the SM4PSA Coalition, said the dialogue itself demonstrated the urgency of defending democratic freedoms.
For the first time since South Africa became a democracy, we had to move our event because of legitimate fears of violence. These are the very things that undermine our rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of assembly and freedom of movement. They have no place in a democratic society. We must remember that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.
William Bird of Moxii Africa, representing the SM4PSA Coalition.
Highlighting the importance of protecting rights in the digital age, Nomzamo Zondi, Acting Executive: Education and Communication from the Information Regulator of South Africa said:
The Regulator was pleased to be part of a momentous occasion to commemorate an international call for countering hate speech. This conversation is very relevant and important to us as a regulator responsible for protecting human rights. In the digital age and rapid technological advancement, protecting personal information is crucial to ensure respect for human dignity and an inclusive, safer online environment.
Nomzamo Zondi, Acting Executive: Education and Communication from the Information Regulator of South Africa.
A key outcome of the dialogue was the presentation of the draft #NoToHate Declaration on Democratic Solidarity Against Xenophobia, Afrophobia and Racism, which calls on government, civil society, media, digital platforms and communities to reject hate speech, promote responsible leadership, strengthen accountability and protect South Africa’s constitutional values ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The dialogue concluded with a collective commitment to transform discussion into action. Participants called for stronger legal accountability for online harms, responsible media reporting that promotes social cohesion rather than division, digital platforms that proactively address hate speech and disinformation, and a more responsible and empathetic use of social media by all.
At a time when fear threatened to divide communities, the #NoToHate Dialogue demonstrated that South Africa’s greatest strength lies in its ability to come together, confront difficult issues with honesty, and choose dialogue over division.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/south-africa-unites-against-hate-speech-amid-anti-migrant-tensions?hub=701
