The Ghana National Union of Technical Students (GNUTS) has condemned the recent xenophobic attacks and acts of violence against African migrants, including Ghanaians, in South Africa, describing the incidents as a threat to African unity and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement, the Union expressed deep concern over reports of intimidation, assaults, forced displacement, and discrimination targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.
GNUTS said such actions undermine the principles of Pan-Africanism, solidarity, and mutual respect that form the foundation of relations among African countries.
“Reports of intimidation, assaults, forced displacement, and discrimination against fellow Africans are troubling and undermine the spirit of Pan-Africanism, unity, solidarity, and peaceful coexistence upon which our continent is built,” the statement said.
The Union noted that recent reports indicate renewed attacks and growing tensions directed at foreign nationals, raising concerns about the safety and welfare of African migrants living in South Africa.
Beyond condemning the attacks, GNUTS highlighted the need for long-term measures to address the factors that drive irregular migration across the continent. The Union argued that strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems could play a critical role in creating employment opportunities for young people and reducing the pressure to seek livelihoods abroad.
According to GNUTS, meaningful investment in skills development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and technical education would equip young people with the tools needed to establish businesses and contribute to economic growth within their home countries.
“The challenge before Africa is not a lack of talent, but the need to equip that talent with the skills, resources, and opportunities required to thrive,” the statement noted.
The Union further called on President John Dramani Mahama, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, educational stakeholders, and development partners to intensify support for TVET as a strategic avenue for promoting youth employment, industrialisation, and economic transformation.
GNUTS reiterated its commitment to advocating for technical and vocational education, stressing that investments in skills training are essential to tackling unemployment and reducing economic migration.
“By investing in technical education today, we can reduce unemployment, curb forced economic migration and build a continent where young people can achieve their dreams without leaving home in search of survival,” the Union stated.
