In May 2001, President Thabo Mbeki observed that all South Africans must be vigilant against “any evidence of xenophobia” against African immigrants. He noted that it is “fundamentally wrong and unacceptable” that South Africans should treat people who come to South Africa as friends as though they are enemies. This is a long-awaited and critically important statement from the highest level of the South African government. In the aftermath of the World Conference on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, the President’s words will hopefully be acted upon by all South Africans.